A Devonport family's lucky move

Last updated 29 July 2026

MAS Member Narly Kalupahana and his family fell in love with the house next door and are now living the dream in their recently renovated Devonport villa.

When lawyer Narly Kalupahana moved to Auckland from Hong Kong with his wife Rachel and baby son in tow, the former Wellingtonians bought a small villa in the seaside suburb of Devonport as their first home back on Kiwi soil. With 3 bedrooms, a half section and family close by, it was the perfect landing pad. 

“It felt huge compared to the apartments we were used to in Hong Kong,” says the patent attorney and long-time MAS Member. “We loved Devonport straight away. We could walk to the ferry to get to the city for work, the village was lovely and the beaches in summer were fantastic.” 

But as their family grew, the couple would often find themselves glancing over the fence at their neighbours’ much larger villa, complete with second storey, generous backyard and swimming pool. “We’d go over for drinks and think, ‘Now that would be the perfect house.’ We loved it.” 

Fast forward a few years, and after dropping the occasional hint to let them know if the place ever came up for sale, that dream house next door became theirs. “We agreed on a price and it was all signed and sealed within a couple of days. It was the easiest sale process ever.”

Turning the house into a family home

The house was already in good nick. High ceilings, mataī floors and light-filled rooms made it an easy fit for family life with their 3 growing children. But after a few years the couple began shaping the house to better suit their life. Keen entertainers, they created an outdoor living area with a louvred roof and heaters for all-weather use, along with a new kitchen featuring warm timber joinery, double ovens and a large stone bench that now doubles as Narly’s office for much of the week. 

“I have a desk upstairs, but I love working here,” he says. “I like being around when the kids get home from school. I can keep an eye on what they’re ransacking from the cupboards.” 

Last year it was time for stage 2 of the revamp, led by architect Jimmy Lawton from local firm Geoff Richards Architects, with the renovation work done by Tony Gordon and Elevation Builders. A cosy snug was added, finished with soft green Bremworth carpet and stylish timber shelving.  

A generous new family bathroom also went in, along with a separate toilet featuring a porthole window, one of Jimmy’s signature touches. “We loved the idea,” says Narly. “It felt pretty cool given we’re close to the Navy base here in Devonport and surrounded by the sea.”

Settled  for good

Today the kitchen, dining and living areas form a welcoming hub for the busy family. Bifold windows and doors open wide in summer to create an almost outdoor feel, while a gas fire makes the space cosy in winter. The home is watched over by beloved pooch Doris, Narly’s constant companion. 

A light and neutral interior colour scheme of Resene Sea Fog with Resene Half Black White trims was used in both of Narly and Rachel’s Devonport homes. “We used them in our first house and settled on the same colours for this one as we really liked their shades.”  

The off-white walls of the cosy snug provide the perfect backdrop for the couple’s artworks, including bold portraits of China’s last emperor, Emperor Puyi, purchased while they were living in Hong Kong.  

Now 10 years on, Narly says the decision to move next door was the best one they could have made. “We’ve got the house exactly where we want it,” he says. “I can’t see us ever leaving. I often say to Rachel, ‘You’ll have to take me out of here in a box.’ We feel pretty lucky to be here.”