I HAVE always felt the perfect home is one with plenty of history and character, while offering a minimalist interior design. That can be a challenge when it comes to harmonising the contrasting elements. The owners of 8 Hawken St, however, have hit the nail on the head.

The circa 1920s home was dramatically transformed over the past decade, resulting in a fusion of classic and modern style. One of them a carpenter by trade, the owners renovated to a high standard, rebuilding the interior and adding a second storey.

Great yard.

The two bedrooms on the ground floor have original fireplaces, high ceilings and rare Kauri pine floorboards. Built-in shelving and sleek, overhead fans give the rooms a modern finish.

The main bathroom has custom- made vanity units with stone benchtops, designer tapware and wall-mounted heaters.

There is an open-plan living and dining room. The 2.85m ceilings and wall-to- wall glass bi-fold doors create the feeling of spaciousness.

Cook up a storm.

Elements such as the projector complete with retractable screen, the TV unit built into the wall make it an extremely functional, family-friendly space.

The contemporary island kitchen has a lot to offer, with double thickness Caesarstone benchtops, a five-burner gas stove and a pullout pantry system.

What a home.

As you ascend the handmade designer staircase you arrive on the first floor in the home office.

A discrete door on the left is pulled open to reveal an enormous, fully finished roof space.

The main bedroom has a large ensuite and walk-in wardrobe.

Outside, the garden has been landscaped to incorporate many desirable features. The retractable fixed awning offers shade and shelter when needed, but doesn’t get in the way when you want to soak up the sun. There is also a custom- made stone water feature and fish pond and a tree house.