Blair Haddow says...

I have been a greater Ponsonby resident since the age of 18 and lived in my very first flat on Herne Bay Road.

I purchased my existing home from a colleague five years ago. This is a warehouse conversion in the heart of Ponsonby/Grey Lynn that in a former life was factory manufacturing toys. I have refitted this throughout and created more of a New York loft style-town home that has great spaces and unobstructed views over Grey Lynn towards the Waitakeres. I am currently searching for my next project in the area. I love both character and very contemporary homes.

When I am not selling real estate, you will find me at Les Mills four mornings a week at 5.30am with my amazing personal trainer. I have recently discovered the joy of hiking the Great New Zealand Walks with one of my oldest friends who lives in Sydney but is originally from Auckland. We are currently ticking off these great walks the week before Christmas each year.

I also have a passion for contemporary New Zealand Art having formed an art group with nine others, building up a great collection. Ponsonby has some great dealers like Tim Melville at Tim Melville Art and the wonderful Mary-Louise at Two Rooms. Favourite pieces of mine are by Noel Ivanhoff, Max Gimblett, Andrew Bylth and Conor Clarke. I also share a passion for collecting red Bordeaux wine and deal with the amazing team at Maison Vauron.

I love the Ponsonby area for its great variety of architecture, shops, boutiques and amazing choice of outstanding cafes and restaurants. I have been frequenting SPQR for over 25 years and it’s a great spot for lunch or dinner any day of the week, with consistently good service and food. Salta in Three Lamps is a few doors down from my office at 305 Ponsonby Road, and I am there most week days for coffee and client meetings. Most people wouldn’t know it has an amazing sun-drenched courtyard out the back. As consumers we are absolutely spoilt for choice in the area when it comes to dining out, but you can’t go past Azabu, Ponsonby Road Bistro, SPQR, Go-Go Daddy, Saan and Miss Istanbul.

BLAIR HADDOW, M: 021 544 555, T: 09 375 8411, blair.haddow@bayleys.co.nz