A FAMILY AFFAIR
After 46 years of happy times, it’s time to move on for the owners of this Epsom beauty, writes LOUISE RICHARDSON
David and Leonie are feeling a little sad at the thought of leaving their home in one of Epsom’s most prestigious streets after 46 years.
“We moved here in the mid1970s because we wanted our children to go the best schools,” says David, who was formerly in the plumbing business. Auckland Grammar and Epsom Girls’ Grammar are nearby, along with a selection of private schools.
The 238sq m house sits on a 1052sq m section. The couple understands it was built in the 1930s for the daughter of Philip Seabrook, a business owner who lived next door in his Florence Court mansion.
“Our land would have originally been the orchard,” says Leonie.
The house itself has been well-maintained and has three bedrooms and a relatively new bathroom on the second level. All of the bedrooms enjoy leafy views across the neighbourhood.
On the ground floor, along with a contemporary kitchen, is the large and elegant formal lounge, separate dining, and a handy little office in the front bay, which David uses. It could alternatively be utilised as a bedroom.
Behind the kitchen is a cosy little TV room with doors to the covered patio outside, which is situated next to a gorgeous rockery.
“I’ve always been a very keen gardener,” says Leonie.
She and David installed the swimming pool, and the spa room, in its cute trellis gazebo, many years ago.
“Our children loved all of this, then so did our grandchildren,” they say.
Beyond the two-car tandem garage is a standalone studio with a bathroom and kitchenette, as well as a games room. David says that it’s all permitted but realises that a makeover will probably be on the cards with new owners.
“We’ve had many happy times out here.”
With the green and luscious Eden Gardens just mere steps away, David and Leonie say they’ve always felt spoilt, although they find its steep paths a bit much these days.
“We still like the cafe´ , though,” says Leonie.
She adds that the street has a wonderful community spirit, and that all the neighbours look out for each other.
“Quite a number of us have lived here for a very long time.”
The two are moving to an apartment nearby, and both are excited.
“Leaving a home like this is a big move but we’re sure that
“Our children loved all of this, then so did our grandchildren.”
we’ll be very happy there,” says David.
“We went and saw the new Westfield at Newmarket recently,” says Leonie.
“It’s fantastic, and just a short walk around the corner for the new owners of this house.”
Nicholas Dallyn of Ray White is marketing the property and he says that it has huge potential for development under the Auckland Unitary Plan, wherein it is zoned ‘mixed housing suburban’.
“If you decide that that you’d like to acquire this generous piece of land — so close to the CBD and the motorway — and you don’t wish to keep the current dwelling — there are some very exciting possibilities to explore.
“On the other hand, the existing house and amenities offer huge scope for improvement.”
Sale: Auction February 26
Contact: Nicholas Dallyn, Ray White, 021 444 744