Ponsonby miner's cottage

Case study

Exterior repainting

Location Ponsonby, Auckland

Property Character miner's cottage

A cottage with character — and a new owner with vision

Set on a picturesque street between Ponsonby and Herne Bay, this miner's cottage has a history worth knowing. Its previous owner was an interior designer who renovated it to a high standard in the 1990s, leaving behind a home with real charm and careful bones. Twenty years on, the new owner was ready to put her own mark on it. She had a clear aesthetic in mind — feminine, elegant, and entirely in keeping with the home's beautiful landscaping. To get the colour scheme right, she engaged one of New Zealand's leading interior designers.

A scheme that demanded precision

Because the colour scheme involved applying different colours and products to adjoining surfaces, the workmanship had to be exact. Clean lines between surfaces, consistent application across varying profiles, and the discipline to execute a multi-product scheme without error — that's what this project required. Rather than treating it as a straightforward exterior repaint, our team approached it as a precision job from the very first coat. If you're considering a bolder, more layered exterior scheme for your own home, our post on how to boost your kerb appeal with colour is a useful starting point. Our Colour Consultancy service is also available for clients who want expert guidance before committing to a scheme.

The result speaks for itself

Together, the quality of the workmanship, the considered colour scheme, and the adjacent landscaping contribute to a result that turns heads. To this day, our client receives regular compliments about her home. That kind of outcome doesn't happen by accident — it happens because every detail was covered, every surface was treated with care, and the whole project was managed with the same personal attention that Ashley brings to every Wall Treats job. You can see more results like this across our portfolio. Furthermore, if you'd like to understand more about what getting a project right from the start looks like, our post on getting it right from the start goes into that in detail.

What Sue said

Homeowner Sue Fleischl reflected on the experience with warmth: "I was most impressed with the attention to detail and the communication throughout the whole process. The workmen were very considerate throughout the whole time they were at my property. What impressed me the most was that Ashley made sure every single detail was covered and checked in with me regularly. She also came and personally inspected all the work with me. Her standards are very high (as are mine!) and I highly recommend Wall Treats to anyone." As a result, that personal involvement — Ashley on site, Ashley inspecting, Ashley following up — is not the exception. It is how every Wall Treats project runs. You can read more about our approach on our About us page.

Frequently asked questions

Do you paint miner's cottages and villas in Ponsonby?

Yes — Ponsonby is one of our most active areas. We specialise in character cottages, villas, and bungalows across Auckland's inner-city suburbs, including Ponsonby, Herne Bay, Grey Lynn, Mt Eden, and Parnell. Our registered Master Painters understand the period details and precise workmanship that these homes demand.

Can you apply different colours and paint products to adjoining surfaces?

Yes. Multi-colour and multi-product schemes on character homes require precise workmanship, clean lines, and a thorough understanding of how different products interact at their boundaries. It's the kind of work that rewards experience — and it's something our team handles with care on every project. Our post on attention to detail and quality outcomes explains what that looks like in practice.

Do you work alongside interior designers on exterior colour schemes?

Absolutely. We regularly work to colour schemes developed by Auckland interior designers and design consultants. If your designer has specified particular colours or products, we'll work precisely to that specification. We also offer our own Colour Consultancy service for clients who want dedicated guidance before committing to a scheme.

How does Ashley stay involved throughout a project?

Ashley personally oversees every Wall Treats project — checking in with clients regularly, inspecting work on site, and ensuring every detail is covered from start to finish. You'll never be handed off to someone who doesn't know your home. That personal involvement is a core part of how Wall Treats works. Read more on our About us page.

How do I get a quote from Wall Treats?

The best place to start is a no-obligation site visit. Ashley will come to your home, assess the full scope of work, and provide a detailed, transparent quote. There's no pressure — just an honest conversation about your home and what it needs. Get in touch here to arrange your visit. You can also read about how we approach our pricing in our post on understanding your painting quote.

Your home has a standard. Let's honour it.

If you own a character home in Auckland and you want it painted by a team that takes every single detail as seriously as you do — we'd love to take a look. There's no obligation, just an honest assessment from Auckland's award-winning Master Painters. See our other Ponsonby and Herne Bay projects

Arrange your no-obligation site visit Learn about our exterior repainting service →

Wall Treats Auckland  ·  Award-winning Master Painters  ·  Since 2003