Second time AROUND

A stylish renovation, 10 years after the first one, has transformed this bungalow into an open-plan oasis

- Fiona Ralph

This isn't Teresa and lan Pollard's first renovation, but it may just be their last.

After two extensive renovations on their Mount Eden bungalow 10 years apart, the couple are ready to call it a day.

Teresa, who grew up in South Auckland and is of Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa and Ngāti Kauwhata descent, met UK-born lan in Singapore 16 years ago. After living in New York City together, they moved to New Zealand and bought this house in 2013, when it was split into three university flats and painted in a questionable orange and brown colour scheme.

They renovated with the developer to make it into one house again, and moved in when their daughter Sienna was a week old, and son Lucas was two.

Almost 10 years later, the house was showing signs of wear and tear thanks to the effects of bringing up two kids, and the family was craving more space. They wanted a layout that worked better for the family, with separate office spaces and a second entertainment zone. They also wanted a scullery, pool and sauna, and to upgrade their kitchen, bathrooms and laundry.

After searching in the area and coming up empty handed, they decided to renovate again.

It helped that they loved their location, says lan.

"The thing I liked about this street, and we kept coming up against it when we were looking at other places, is the proximity to the city and how quiet it is here."

Making it work

Having done a bare bones reno on a small budget, Teresa and lan wanted the process to be more enjoyable this time. Having contractors manage the build for them and splurging on the finishes and furnishings they wanted helped.

The family also moved out for a year so they didn't have to live in a construction zone, renting in nearby Grey Lynn and visiting each week to check on the build progress.