Much Admired ......

When Peter and Marley first viewed 30 Ballance Street, New Plymouth, five years ago, they immediately appreciated the character and unique features of the stately 115-year-old villa.

They had barely completed viewing the property, when Peter was given his instructions.

"Make an offer!" whispered Marley.

Now, five years on, the home has been reluctantly placed on the market.
"We are from Melbourne, Australia, and we are returning there," explains Peter.
"We have a home in that city, plus a grand-child there and another on the way".
The homestead once occupied a far larger site than the modest 746 square metre section which surrounds it today.

"It used to take up a whole part of this street. There was a tennis court, a swimming pool and an orchard," says Peter.

"We know that when a developer bought this property around 2000, it comprised three flats in quite run-down condition. Then he set about restoring it to its former glory. He replaced all of the pillars at the side and front of the building, ensuring that the wood-turned replacements faithfully replicated the originals. He undertook a total renovation of the whole building.

"We have rimu ceilings in two of the rooms - the formal lounge and in my study, which was formerly a bedroom - and there are timber floors throughout.

"Really, our only contribution towards the renovation process was to install under-floor central heating which has made a big difference to it.

"It's perhaps worth noting, too, that all of the furniture, such as cabinets along with the dining table and chairs, will be sold with the property. We sourced these very carefully so that they would blend in with the character of our home."

The end result of the renovation process has resulted in a turn-of-the-century character villa retaining many of the original features, yet being complemented by modern conveniences.

The 3.65 metre (12 foot stud) and timber floors reflect the spaciousness and gracious living of a bygone era, as does the partially timber-lined central hallway, from which all rooms are accessed,

"Everyone who comes through this house comments what a beautiful house it is," says Peter.

Folding French doors in the dining room and kitchen open out to an expansive area of wooden decking both at the front of the home, and down the full length of the sheltered western side. A barbecue tucked discreetly at one end and an outdoor dining table indicate that this is a home which lends itself well to entertaining.

The separate kitchen features an island work-bench, ceiling lights and a gas hob with a built in electric "pyrolytic" (self-cleaning) stove.

A wall dividing the kitchen from the dining room is not a structural feature, says Peter, and thought had been given to opening the area into one big room.

The formal lounge has a rimu ceiling and a tree obscures what would otherwise be a view of Mount Egmont via the window on the eastern side.

There is a wood-burning fireplace, but the flu needs cleaning say the owners.

A built in wardrobe in what has become Peter's study, betrays the room's true origins as a bedroom.

The master bedroom is in keeping with the spaciousness of a bygone era and the fireplace in this room is fully operational. There are twin built-in wardrobes plus an en-suite featuring a shower, two basins and a toilet.

The main bathroom has a bath/combined shower, toilet and basin.

The third bedroom is a double and has a northerly facing window, plus its own entrance, leading out to the expansive deck area.

The separate garage easily accommodates two cars with sufficient room for a workbench. An additional storage room has been added to this.

Established trees and shrubs surround the home.

"It's a very comfortable home to live in, being warm in winter and cool in summer," says Peter.

"It's just over a kilometre to Devon Street and it is an easy stroll to shops. There are good schools in close proximity, and it's close to the very popular Huatoki Walkway."
"We have found this to be a great home for entertaining," adds Marley.

"You can open all of the French doors to allow for an easy flow from indoors to the barbecue area and garden. We have had parties with up to 60 people here."

For your personal appointment to view phone Dianne on 0800 434 872

Negotiation Range is $580,000 -$620,000.