A REAL CHARACTER
Despite several renovations under its current owners, this charming villa has retained its intrinsic spirit, writes LOUISE RICHARDSON
Most current Devonport residents are committed to keeping the heart of their character homes intact while rejuvenating them for the 21st century and Chris and Eddie van der Loos have an extra-long history of doing just that — even when it wasn’t especially fashionable.
“We bought this place 37 years ago,” says Chris.
“Devonport was nice, and we liked it, but it wasn’t as trendy as it is today, and we certainly don’t remember it being particularly expensive.
“This house was just exactly what we needed at that stage of our lives, and it’s grown with us.”
She says that she and Eddie have made changes — and in fact, in some parts of the property, they’re on to their third renovation.
“But I love homes of this era so even back in the 1980s we resolved to keep its intrinsic spirit alive, and that’s never changed.”
She and Eddie raised their four children here, just a quick few steps from the beach and Chris admits that it’s been an idyllic family environment.
“Now that we’re selling, they’re all trying to come to terms with losing our family base,” says Chris.
“We understand that they fondly remember all those Christmas get-togethers and other special occasions, but we’ll soon have a new place for making memories with them, and our grandchildren, and it will be just as good.”
The four-bedroom property was originally built in the late 1880s and when Chris and Eddie came upon it there had been a few clumsy changes over the years, but nothing that couldn’t be remediated.
“I think our biggest triumph was opening up the back of the house quite recently and putting in a really lovely kitchen with fantastic access to the deck and garden,” says Chris.
“We’ve also restored and retained the kauri floorboards and all the double-hung windows, plus the beautiful fireplaces and staircase rails.”
A new master bedroom, upstairs, is another achievement. “Again, I was determined that it would fit perfectly, and it does.
“The view from up there is spectacular and when we hear the horn of a cruise ship, at nights, Eddie and I rush up to see it, all festooned with lights.
“To be honest, I think that this is probably the part of the house that Eddie and I will miss most.”
Chris says that another thing they’ve particularly enjoyed about their neighbourhood is the changes that they’ve seen over almost four decades.
“Families have come and gone, and I think that Eddie and I are some of the most established residents now.”
She says that the property’s proximity to Devonport, with its charming village centre and ferry terminal is one of its most compelling attractions.
“Our family is pleased to know that we’re not going to be moving very far away at all.”
Victoria Bidwell from Bayleys says that the home is something of a landmark and that she’s excited to be offering something so lovely — especially after almost 40 years.
“It offers so much, and has the bonus of garaging, which is rare in villas of this age.”
Victoria says that the property is attracting a lot of interest.
“Many local people have always dreamed of living there, and now’s their chance.” Auction: February 27 Contact: Victoria Bidwell, Bayleys, 021 947 080