CLASSIC BEAUTY

There’s a formal dining room, a formal lounge — and 1743sq m of land, writes LOUISE RICHARDSON

Intensification in Auckland over the past 20 years or so has meant that fewer classic properties on large sections are coming to market, so 9 Gladwin Rd and its 1743sq m site is quite a rarity.

Owners Mark and Robyn Burgess bought the roughcast

1919 bungalow over 30 years ago. They added a second storey, extended rooms downstairs, and built a separate double garage and workshop.

“I think it was part of a larger family estate back in the early

20th century with the main home, plus maids’ quarters and an orchard,” says Robyn.

“The original owners built another house next door when their daughter got married, and in between the two homes there is a lovely native bush walk.”

“I think it was part of a larger family estate back in the early 20th century.”

Downstairs, beyond a typically ornate entrance hall, is a formal dining room, formal lounge with fireplace, a more relaxed family room, also with a fireplace, and four bedrooms. Mark uses one of the bedrooms as his office; Robyn uses another as a sewing room.

The main bedroom downstairs was a master suite, with its own bathroom. But Mark and Robyn built a new master suite upstairs, complete with its own lounge, walkthrough wardrobe and bathroom.

The kitchen opens to a patio, which the couple calls their breakfast terrace.

The house has appeared in books about period designs in New Zealand, and its grounds have featured in the Trinity Garden Festival. Roses do especially well here, say the couple.

They are now semi-retired and the lure of an easy-care, lock-up-and-leave home is appealing.

“We wouldn’t buy an apartment, because we still want a garden, so we’re searching out townhouses,” says Robyn.

Diana West, who is marketing the property with Peter West and Dong Liu, says they’re getting positive feedback about the house.

“It’s a large and stunning home, with easy access to the airport and good schools.

“Nearby Greenwoods Corner, with all its lovely shops and cafes, makes it even more appealing.” Auction: December 4 Contact: Diana West, Barfoot and Thompson, 021 408 303