House next door

A couple spotted a Californian bungalow near their rental and snapped it up

- Fiona Barber

KITCHEN/ LIVING

Homeowners Megan Kehl and Chris Boggs say the kitchen island's proportions was influenced by the large black and white painting by Sarah Albisser.

home profile

MEET & GREET

Chris Boggs (financial services executive), Megan Lehl (human resources manager, currently on maternity leave), Millie, nine months and cavoodle Olive.

THE PROPERTY

Modernised four-bedroom, three-bathroom Californian bungalow in New Plymouth.

Sometimes, what you're looking for is much closer than you think. In the case of New Plymouth househunters Chris Boggs and Megan Kehl, it was right on their doorstep.

The couple had been renting a home in the seaside suburb of Strandon while they looked for a property to buy. Then, they found exactly what they were looking for the house next door, which belonged to their landlord. Once they stepped inside the modernised 286sqm Californian bungalow, the couple were immediately smitten

"It made quite the impression," says Chris of the house that enjoys views of both the Tasman Sea and Mt Taranaki.

For Megan, who hails from Nebraska, which is smackbang in the middle of the US, the vistas of the sea were captivating. "I didn't see the ocean until I was 15," she explains. "I couldn't stop thinking about the house. I really wanted to live there."

The bungalow, with its four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a nursery/study, were all pluses. They loved the character their previous home was an 1800s villa in Grey Lynn, Auckland - but also the fact that it had modern -extras, such as new double-glazed joinery, full insulation, central heating and cooling, plus a swimming pool. The heritage, coupled with all the modern conveniences, made it a standout.

DINING