Restoring this Ashburton turret villa has been a labour of love for the owner – and she hasn’t been afraid to follow her heart.
Her plans were never going to include white walls and a neutral decor. On the contrary, she has splashed out with a colourful, whimsical interior with a surprise at every turn – there are purple, blue, pink and green walls in different rooms, stunning decorative cornices, painted ceilings and brightly patterned carpets.
As listing agent Eliza Waszczak of Bayeys Ashburton says: “The owner has renovated the five-bedroom home; it’s like a giant doll’s house project where every room is different. But now that she’s finished, she is looking for something a little smaller.”
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Ornate fretwork and a turret define this Ashburton villa for sale. It is believed to have been built in the late 1800s.
Waszczak says the 230 square-metre villa, built in the 19th century, was converted into three flats in the 1970s, which “kind of ruined it”. “Someone put up fake walls that covered everything. There was even a bath in the hallway. The owner ripped it all out and tackled it room by room. She says she hates (bare) wood, but loves painted wood.”
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“New insulation has been added and weatherboards replaced as needed.”
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The house comes with its own enchanted garden full of climbing roses, perennials and self-seeding annuals.
Waszczak and co-listing agent Sarah Everist, who is handling calls, describe the cottage garden as “enchanted”. There are two verandas, complete with ornate fretwork, where you can sit and enjoy the climbing roses, perennials and self-seeding annuals.
“The owner tells me she likes the garden to take care of itself,” says Waszczak.
The property has an RV of $330,000 and a listing price of $398,000, which is not just cheap to Aucklanders.
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The front door is framed by beautiful stained glass windows.
“It’s an amazing price down here also,” says Waszczak. “We don’t have very many villas in Ashburton and many people want to play it safe, preferring to spend a similar amount on a smaller red brick house with no character.
“This would be a wonderful home for a family.”
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Every room is bespoke, with vintage and antique furnishings.
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Even the cornices are elaborately painted.
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There are no less than five decorative trims around the top of the main living room, including painted cornices.
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The kitchen is near original, but revamped with colourful walls and trim.
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Painted dressers are perfect for displaying the owner’s extensive china collection.
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These doors and architraves remain unpainted.
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The main bedroom is a vision in purple and gold.
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Pink walls and Botticelli cherubs feature in this bedroom, one of five in the 230 square-metre house.
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You would have to wake up happy in this amazing blue room.
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And it’s another blue theme for this bedroom.
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The bathroom features the original tongue-and-groove lining.
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The laundry has many original features.
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To sit on the porch is to take a step back in time.
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The garden has just as many magical corners as the house.
