Sanctuary from city life
Proximity to schooling was paramount but this home soon revealed other qualities, writes Sandra Goodwin
The Tosswills knew in advance this character home’s address was going to offer colossal convenience. That’s a fair descriptor for a location which has Newmarket and Mt Eden’s amenities, motorway onramps north and south and coveted in- zone private schools all within a five- minute drive or easy walk.
What Jan and Julian Tosswill didn’t anticipate was that they’d find a private gardened haven in such a location.
Jan says: “When I walked through the gates it felt like a little inner sanctuary you wouldn’t have thought would be here.
“You return home after a frenetic day and look out at the garden and feel so peaceful.”
Life can be busy, as Jan’s a clinical psychologist, husband Julian director of a freight- forwarding company and even beloved labradoodle Kiko has a schedule regularly attending dog day- care Barkley Manor.
They lived further out in Epsom before moving here 18 years ago wanting their two now- grown children to be within walking distance of schools.
Jan says: “The schools around here are just fantastic. Our daughter Aleisha went to Epsom Girls’ Grammar and Diocesan and our son Mischa went to Auckland Grammar.”
Julian and Jan are aware their property’s Residential Mixed Housing Suburban zoning may interest developers as it allows two houses on the site, subject to council consent.
The 698sq m fully fenced grounds on the corner of Bracken Ave and Gillies Ave already had two entrances when they bought it. The main gated one, off Bracken Avenue, accesses space to park multiple cars off- street in addition to a double carport. There’s also double off- street parking by their gate off Gillies Ave.
Julian found instant appeal in the circa- 1911 weatherboard home which drew him in with its leadlights and wide front veranda. That’s been a favourite place where he can relax with friends chatting over a few drinks.
Julian says: “Or at other times I’ll just sit there, usually with Kiko alongside, and survey all the trees and think, ‘ This really is nice”.
He says: “It’s very quiet inside the house which I think shows just how solidly built it is.”
A polished timber entrance hall introduces a layout the couple feels flows well. When they redecorated they tried around 20 test pots before choosing Resene tone Linen, used in varying intensities, to unify the decor.
Jan says: “We wanted to achieve a consistent, peaceful feeling.”
Living spreads across a front lounge with ceiling rose and original wood- burning fireplace and an open- plan family- dining room- kitchen with Corian benchtops. It extends out to a substantial sunny deck bolstered by the veranda.
The three bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs include the master with renovated en suite and outlook onto the garden.
As well as a laundry there’s an extra room not included in the bedroom tally because of its compactness. As a youngster, their son Mischa — who graduates from medical school this year — liked its mezzanine bunk and adjoining attic space.
Downstairs, alongside extensive under- house storage space, is a self- contained set- up where Jan’s late parents used to stay when they visited from their home town of Blenheim. With its own entrance, a lounge, bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette, it might suit working from home, guests or teens.
Landscape designer Stephen Baguley helped them balance desires to unify the grounds and make them somewhat more manicured with the wish they be relatively easy- care. Lots of outdoor lighting, natives including a fine pohutukawa and lawns that used to host joyous children’s water fights are key outdoor features.
The Tosswills feel it’s time for a change now their children are adults, mindful of Jan’s long- held desire to live by the water. PRICE GUIDE: INSPECT: SCHOOLS: CONTACT: ON THE WEB: * Plus 6 OSP.