TWO HOMES, ONE TITLE

Old meets new on this friendly Auckland street, writes Catherine Masters

Marina Wetere remembers going to school in the 1970s with the warm bread her mum Olga had just baked in their Sandringham bungalow. It was so yummy Marina’s schoolmates always wanted some. Olga still lives in the three-bedroom house, but the Wetere family is moving to Christchurch and now it’s for sale — along with a fourbedroom, two-storey dwelling Olga and her late husband John built on the property in the early 2000s. The Weteres moved into the 15 Calgary St bungalow in 1976. “At the time it was under the dairy company,” says Marina. “It was sort of like New Zealand Railway, when they owned a whole lot of houses and you either rented to buy or rented it out to the workers, and that’s what the dairy company had. “They had probably six in the whole of Calgary St. This is one of the originals.” The property has worked well with the two weatherboard houses being used as extended family homes. The bungalow has high ceilings, matai skirting boards and flooring and an original tiled fireplace. The modern house has the two bathrooms and garage with internal access that Olga and John always wanted. Both have good-sized yards and it’s one of the few properties which still has the distinctive rock walls of the area. The bungalow is ripe for renovation, says Marina. New owners could remove a few walls to bring an open plan feel, while the modern house has plenty of landscaping potential. Marina has seen many changes as Sandringham has grown up around her. The location is so handy — Eden Park is walkable — and the shops have great diversity with bars and cafes. Calgary St is a warm, friendly one. “We still have street parties. Usually they’ll send out a flyer or email for a street party for Christmas and one of the neighbours will put their hand up.” Marina says the two homes provide options, such as living in one and renting the other to help pay the mortgage. LJ Hooker Ponsonby agent Dee McDade says the property is great. “It’s rare to have two standalone houses on one title in this brilliant location. “It’s a great opportunity for investors looking to separate the titles or keep as an investment. It’s also perfect for two families looking to set up home — and there is even enough room for a swimming pool.”