111 Donald Street Karori, Wellington City

One of the first homes on family-friendly Donald St is now one of the finest.

Built in the 1930s but superbly renovated from top to bottom by BluePencil Architects and Modern Homes, this four-bedroom showcase of character and comfort combines fantastic sun, lovely views and surprising privacy.

Yes, the access is walk-up - but sublime landscaping makes it feel like a gentle, leafy, externally-lit climb beneath birdsong and the spreading branches of a magnificent pohutukawa to the funky, orange, keyless front door.

It opens into a 174 sqm interior that blends the best of past and present, from the original farmhouse charm of rimu floorboards, decorative ceilings and lead lights to modern central heating, heatpump, endless gas hot water, double-glazing and designer lighting - complete with a David Trubridge coral pendant lamp that hangs over the stairwell.

The master bedroom wing is on the ground floor, where it has a tiled ensuite with underfloor heating and a northwest aspect for great late sun and lush views over the bush-clad hills of Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park.

Two of the upstairs bedrooms share a similar perspective. One is so spacious and versatile it could be used for running a business from home or recreation while the other has a cleverly-designed wardrobe with an integrated study nook. The fourth double-bedroom is extra-large with a built-in wardrobe.

Ingenious, effortlessly-accessible storage also distinguishes the supremely-appointed entertainers' kitchen, with its Electrolux ovens and induction hob, AEG integrated rangehood, Sharp quad-door refrigerator-freezer, oversized Ikon sink and discreet scullery/laundry.

The kitchen is open-plan with family/dining area, where a bay window optimises natural light, while the formal lounge has a solid cavity door that can seal it off from the rest of the household (which includes a tiled bathroom with a shower and bath).

Both the lounge and casual living space open to a wraparound deck with a Vegepod and built-in seating. It steps out to flat lawn, a spa pool and an exquisitely terraced garden with raised vegetable beds, natives and dinner-plate dahlias.

The secluded 590sqm setting also includes kauri and kowhai trees, the remnants of an antique pulley that was used to convey furniture up to the farmhouse.

Another bonus is a lined basement workshop with incredible storage, wired speakers, and music room or basement studio space.

Having been rebuilt to code, this is a like-new character home tucked away near the quieter end of a sought-after street - but still close to Karori Normal School (with its public swimming pool), the popular Gipps St Deli, and the Duthie St bus stop for the 37 route that conveniently connects to the city and Victoria University via Kelburn.

Buyer Help
Comprehensive Information Pack Available
Rates $7,105.10
Water TBA