1 Picton Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland, 1011, New Zealand

This grand villa’s superb renovation by heritage architect Barbara Webster, masterfully blending old and new, recently made the cover of Home Style magazine. European ambiance melds with layered natural materials and modern amenity for extraordinary family living in leafy Picton Street.

Incredibly located, approximately 2 minutes walk from the heart of bustling Ponsonby road, but anchored in secluded sun drenched private sanctuary. There’s two-car off-street parking plus a double garage, alongside an additional pedestrian laneway used daily by the owners as a shortcut to Ponsonby road cafes. Manicured front gardens add to the European aura of this solid concrete home, one of the true originals in Freeman’s bay, harbouring generous spaces with high stud grandeur.

An exquisite new kitchen features a full size Falcon stove, and Artedomus Italian marble, flowing beautifully into an adjoining family lounge all showcasing wide board, smoked oak European timber flooring. This opens out to a walled courtyard with garden and outdoor fireplace, ideal for morning coffee or drinks at dusk around a roaring fire. The huge dining-living room with powder room nearby is perfect for entertaining, and doubles as an escape, separate from the cozy family lounge.

Upstairs’ spacious master suite with ensuite and generous walk-in-wardrobe accompanies two further large bedrooms and the family bathroom, with bath. Guests or teens can enjoy the easterly bedroom and bathroom, near a brand new laundry-utility room that opens to the garden. Norwegian Nobo panel heaters radiate warmth and the home also has gas fireplaces, heat pumps for cooling and Ring video security.

Private rear grounds feature an alfresco dining area, citrus plot and level lawn inviting children’s or dog play, with room to add a swimming pool if desired. Move decisively to secure this unique thoughtfully renovated grand villa of the highest quality, now offering blissful contemporary living.