A captivating coachman’s cottage

This illustrious copy of a British brick cottage is a fabulous opportunity to live in a home that is inextricably linked with New Zealand history. Rakesh Krishnan explores. Located amidst formal English gardens in a tranquil New Lynn cul-de-sac, our featured home is more than an address – it is a place where history, heritage and nostalgia converge. What’s unique about this home is that it is built in brick and is a close copy of similar houses in Britain. In fact, the copy is so good it enjoys a historic places classification in the Auckland Unitary Plan as a fine example of a British Brick Cottage. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a professional couple or a heritage lover looking to invest in something unique, this is a fabulous opportunity to live in a home that is inextricably linked with New Zealand history. Back in the day before the rich had chauffeurs, they had coachmen. And the coachman who lived here worked for a wealthy family who resided in a huge mansion fronting what is now Great North Road, just above the Titirangi Road intersection. It is one of the ironies of life that the mansion is long gone but the home of the humble coachman survives to this day – thanks to some history minded citizen who stepped in and saved this slice of history for future generations to admire and cherish. It is therefore fitting that the current owners James and Claire – who live here with their young son Nathaniel – are also English. The couple, originally from Kent, describe it as a special place that reminds them of back home. ‘‘The moment we pulled up outside the residence we knew this was it,” they say. It was clearly love at first sight. The immaculately trimmed hedges out front and the riot of spring colours offer a stunning contrast to the home’s red brick exterior. The wow factor continues inside where you will discover lightfilled and well-appointed rooms with a decidedly European flavour. First up, there’s a formal lounge with high stud ceiling and banks of windows that allow the sun to cascade in. Plus, there’s an open fireplace for those cold nights. We visited the house on a February day with the sun beating down but found the interior environment quite pleasant. James attributes this to the double brick wall with a cavity space that keeps the entire house cool in summer and warm in winter. A formal dining room is another pleasant surprise, and Claire points out that the colour scheme is French cream. The English cottage themed kitchen is well-located to service the dining room and the alfresco area out back. It has plenty of storage options plus there’s a laundry nook nearby that allows you to multitask while you are cooking. The sleeping accommodation comprises a main bedroom and a smaller double bedroom which opens out to the outdoors. They are serviced by a lovely modernised bathroom with period sash windows. There is easy transition from the house to the outdoors where you have an entertainer’s patio with an overhang of grape vine. “This is a fantastic environment for hosting family and friends in complete peace and privacy,” says Claire. The couple enjoy the productive feijoa and lemon trees and say that there’s scope to add a vege garden to put organic produce on your table all year round. Even as they have soaked up the fantastic ambience of this character filled home, the young family has enjoyed living in close proximity to central New Lynn. Everything is within walking distance – shopping, entertainment, cafes and the famous new dining precinct, The Brickworks. Public transport is virtually at your doorstep and the train station is minutes away. “It’s the ultimate ultra-convenient lifestyle,” says Claire. As they offer their beloved home to the public, James and Claire add: “One of the joys of living in this home is the knowledge that it’s like no other.” Location: New Lynn, Auckland Address: 5 Pine Street Land area: 450 square metres Floor area: 80 square metres Auction: Onsite, 12:30 pm, March 9, 2019 Vendors: Claire and James Daly Agent: Michael Gee Phone: 021 973 811 Email: michael.gee@raywhite.com Website listing: nz.raywhite.com/2048043