In this renovation of a character home, front and back have been given Ninety 45’s skilful treatment, and the results are dramatic and beautiful. A double garage, revamped street entry and landscaping form the gateway to the three-bedroom, three-bathroom bungalow. It’s welcoming, smart and dovetails into its established neighbourhood, but reveals few clues about what’s been artfully achieved at the rear of the property. Here, the house has been given a modern facelift with a twist. A new upper deck has a louvred roof and moveable glass panels that enable alfresco dinner parties and relaxing no matter what the Auckland weather delivers. An elegant curved stairwell seamlessly links this space to the sheltered lower deck where you’ll find a cedar hot tub. Flowing from this deck is a terrace, lawn, landscaping and an in-ground swimming pool. It’s dreamy. Part of the revamp involved a complete makeover of the lower level of the house and an extension with a bar area and bathroom. These, along with the second lounge that has sliders that open onto the deck, are tailor-made for enjoying the pool and backyard. This house has always been full of charm, but now it says welcome at the front and party at the back.