While others who were in their early 20s in the 1990s were busy bopping to MC Hammer and rocking bomber jackets, Chris and three mates decided to buy a house.
Chris’ wife Angela says: “They were not long out of university, flatting together and decided they could cobble together some money, get a mortgage and buy a house. Chris eventually moved out but over subsequent years ended up buying the others out and we moved in as a family 19 years ago, bringing up our three children here.”
The four-bedroom bungalow was very different in the 1990s, with a lean-to at the rear.
Chris says: “It was party central. At one party someone jumped up and accidentally put their hand through the perforated plaster board ceiling, which wasn’t all bad because that exposed a higher ceiling above that.”
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When Chris and Angela outgrew a Mt Albert property, they recognised the appeal of this one with its 613sqm of land zoned for Balmoral School and Mt Albert Grammar. They bought the remaining share. When they moved in the house was liveable but bedrooms still had locks inside their doors as a remnant of flatting days.
Angela says: “It’s great having Balmoral Fire Station just up the road. They’re pretty quiet and when I accidentally locked the baby in a bedroom three burly firefighters were happy to come over and bust the bedroom door down.”
After living here for a few years the couple had one of the original flatmates, architect Tony Grazie, draw up plans for a breathtaking renovation, executed by Angela’s Master Builder brother.
A striking north-facing rear extension luxuriates under a high raked ceiling, featuring high windows reminiscent of mid-century homes. The ceiling incorporates panelling, as a homage to the home’s bungalow roots.
The striking north-facing rear extension luxuriates under a high raked ceiling which incorporates panelling, and high windows reminiscent of mid-century homes. Photo / Supplied
One of the homeowners bought a share in 17 Dunbar Road, in Mt Eden, in the 1990s with three mates. He eventually bought all the shares and moved his family in 19 years ago. Photo / Supplied
Angela says: “It’s flooded with natural light and its north-facing orientation means it’s like a greenhouse for Chris’ beloved indoor plants. It was my brother’s idea to do the panelling which I think was a masterstroke as it ties everything together.”
The area opens wide to decking, backyard lawn and the heated saltwater swimming pool they added.
“A pool is a good way to encourage your kids to bring their friends home but we adults have used it just as much as them.”
The kitchen-living-dining room expanse incorporates an office nook and neighbours a family bathroom and separate laundry.
“The layout allows you to be in the kitchen but keeping an eye on young children having a bath or in the pool. And it’s great for entertaining. We’ve hosted so many occasions and large functions.”
The fore of the house has four good-sized bedrooms including the ensuited master with walk-in wardrobe and bay window.
The home sits on 613sqm and has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a carport and off-street parking. Photo / Supplied
The deck leads to a heated saltwater swimming pool and backyard lawn. Photo / Supplied
“People look at the front and think it’s just a simple bungalow, so they’re wowed to discover how impressive the rear is.”
Driveway gates protect two off-street parks, one in a carport.
Angela says it was so easy having all three children at Balmoral School (Year 1-8), with all their friends living nearby. That school is one street over, a six-minute walk away, and their children later walked to in-zone Mt Albert Grammar School.
They’ve loved this central location, so close to Dominion Road’s eateries and Potters Park. It’s within walking distance of Eden Park, Mt Eden Village, Kingsland and Morningside.
Children grown, the couple are downsizing.
Ray White agent Robyn Ellson says: “This home’s extension literally takes your breath away. Its volume and the gorgeous bungalow detailing they brought through creates a magical feeling space.”
- 17 Dunbar Road in Mount Eden, Auckland, is for sale by auction on May 28
