LOVE THY NEIGHBOURS
Here’s your opportunity to move into one of the nicest — and friendliest — streets in Auckland, writes ERIN REILLY
“This home has been loved by the same family for three decades so it’s really special. The new owner will love the opportunity to make the property their own.”
When Roger and Alex Recordon first saw 86 Arney Rd in 1989, they were smitten.
“We were in our late 30s, had just had our third child, had recently adopted a kitten, and needed a bigger house,” Roger says. “Alex was the first to see the property and knew it was meant to be. And we’ve been here ever since.”
The property is a large, undivided section featuring a spacious Californian bungalow with big rooms, stunning lead light windows, all-day sun, and a pool. But what makes this property really special is the neighbourhood.
From the day they moved in, the Recordons knew they’d joined a one-of-a-kind community.
“Within moments of settling in, one set of neighbours had left a huge bunch of flowers on the doorstep, and many of our neighbours had children the same age as ours so they all became instant friends.”
Home to three lively boys with large circles of friends, the home has seen a lot of action inside and out.
“During winter, the boys played every sport under the sun in the long hallway, occasionally knocking photos and paintings for six,” says Alex.
“But when summer returned, they made the most of the pool, trampoline, and plenty of space to build projects outside.
“They’re musical too so the rumpus room was always full of guitars, a piano and drums. For about a decade we held a band practice on occasional Monday nights, and our neighbours would always open their windows wide to share in our songs.”
Arney Rd is safe, secure, and part of an active, protective neighbourhood watch group. The road is quiet which makes strolling the streets safe any time of the day.
Alex should know; she has met a group of neighbours for morning walks three days a week for almost the whole time the family has lived here.
The property is an easy commute into the central city, yet minutes from the eastern suburbs’ beaches and cafes. Motorway access is convenient, and some of the best schools in Auckland are easily accessible.
Barfoot & Thompson agent Jill Jackson says this property has a huge amount of potential on one of the best streets in Auckland.
“This home has been loved by the same family for three decades so it’s really special. The new owner will love the opportunity to make the property their own.
“There’s plenty of room for development, and the downstairs space is perfect for extended family or a separate space for the teenagers.”
For Roger and Alex, it’s bittersweet to leave their home of more than 30 years.
“It’s a privilege to have lived here for so long, to have raised our children here, for our grandchildren to have spent time here, and for us to have made lifelong friends with our neighbours.
“It will be incredibly sad to move on, but we hope that the new owners will get to enjoy the kind of lifestyle that we did.” Sale: Auction June 24
Contact: Jill Jackson, Barfoot & Thompson, 021 745 424; Emma John, 021 862 242