St Heliers
Part of a four-home terrace, the views of Rangitoto have made this an ideal home, writes Louise Richardson
Levels of memories
Although their children were grown up when David Tibby and his wife Lois bought their St Heliers property 12 years ago, it has still been a family home in every sense, especially since grandchildren started arriving.
“We’ve had baby showers, pre-wedding parties, welcome homes and lots of other celebrations here and made lots of happy memories,” says Lois.
The house is part of a four-dwelling terrace and is set over three levels with glorious views across Glover Park to Rangitoto Island.
“The best thing of all is that the view can never be built-out,” says Lois.
Although this is terraced housing, there’s no body corporation and each home owns its land, front and rear.
“Everyone who lives here is pleasant and sensible and things work well,” says Lois.
“We’re not in each other’s pockets but we do get together for a drink every now and then, which is nice.”
On the ground floor is the giant garage with a gym corner and masses of storage cupboards. There’s a separate laundry and another room, that Lois and David, who’s a managing director of a commercial property business, use for storage.
She says that she’s always thought that it would make a nice sewing room, or could be used for any other hobby that requires space.
There are three bedrooms on the middle floor, one of which isused as a home office and there’s a large living room with kitchenette facilities and a big family bathroom, with bath.
“It allows for good separation and works well when we have the grandchildren over,” says Lois.
The living room opens up to a paved and pebble patio with striking but easy-care plantings which include small trees, shrubs and grasses.
The main living area is found on the top floor where an enormous entertainer’s kitchen has classic Poggenpohl appliances and so much cupboard space, Lois has had a hard time filling it.
She loves flinging the bifold windows open on a sunny day. “It makes me feel part of the scene outside.”
The main living room has a gas fireplace and the step-down dining room enjoys views across the rooftops to One Tree Hill.
The master suite has a walk-through wardrobe and a bathroom. There’s a small balcony but Lois says they use the big balcony outside the family room more as it is handy for summer nights.
The decor throughout the house is neutral and light and the carpet was replaced a few years ago.
Lois says the house doesn’t take much time to clean. In her free time she likes to walk — the neighbourhood has lots of good routes.
She and David enjoy all the shops and cafes at St Heliers, where Musashi Japanese restaurant is a favourite.
“It’s good being so close to the beach and the harbour and we’re well situated for public transport,” says Lois.
Lois and David are looking forward to spending more time at their beach house, plus they just don’t need a nearly 350sq m property.
Lois says she’ll miss the stairs though, because they’ve kept her fit. “I try to use our lift as infrequently as possible, but it’s good to know that it’s there.”
The best thing of all is that the view can never be built-out.