A BOLT OUT OF THE BLUE
Be surprised by magnificent sea views, a versatile set-up and brilliant location, writes SANDRA GOODWIN
Eighty-something-yearolds Lesley and Ron Goodey get a kick over visitors arriving at their front door, marvelling over their property’s handy location and privacy while the couple know it’s about to unleash a much bigger surprise.
Upon entering the home, located on very private grounds five minutes’ walk from Broadway towards Remuera, you’re astounded by the most magnificent harbour view.
Lesley says: “The first thing out of people’s mouths is always ‘wow’ because they never seem to realise that view is going to be there.”
They look straight down the barrel at Rangitoto and the glittering harbour and islands around it.
Ron says: “We’ve had reasonable views from properties before but nothing like this. It’s just mesmerising watching the yachting.”
They bought here 12 years ago for the view and the quiet double grammar-zoned cul-desac’s location, handy to Ron’s former work as an ear, nose and throat surgeon.
A lawyer built two separate upstairs-downstairs dwellings here in 1962, putting a height restriction on a property he also owned in front to preserve this view. The versatile layout can now operate as one 314sq m family home, with a lift, on 665sq m grounds or separate upstairs-downstairs dwellings with individual entrances.
When the couple bought there was no interior access between floors and the kitchen numbered among many
We refused to have a support pole in the middle of the Rangitoto view, so they had to put in a big supporting beam.
original features. Architect Greg Jones conceived a significant renovation.
A big front wall lends privacy and security to grounds featuring usable green spaces front and back.
There’s an often-climbed magnolia tree and an entertaining pergola out front. Driveways either side secure seven-car off-street parking bolstering the oversized-single internal-access garage.
A big foyer transitions into the roomy lounge-dining room with acoustic-enhancing features, flowing out to a rebuilt wrap-around deck now sporting a rain-activated louvre roof.
Ron says: “We refused to have a support pole in the middle of the Rangitoto view, so they had to put in a big supporting beam.”
Lesley says: “It’s like a moonpool looking out there at night with moonlight pooling on the harbour.”
The gourmet cook, who did a Bachelor of Home Science and taught, had exacting specifications commissioning her ideal kitchen.
The ensuited master bedroom means they wake up to the view. This bedroom is accompanied by a second bedroom and second bathroom. A wheelchair-capable lift and wide stairwell lead downstairs.
The lower level revolves around a second living-dining expanse opening to level grounds with great vege gardens. It has a third and fourth bedroom, third bathroom and simple kitchen.
A grandson and his flatmates proved its standalone capabilities when they needed their own bubble during lockdown, so it can suit guests or extended family or be part of a home-and-income set-up.
Ron says: “Our handy location makes it quite the place for friends to stay and I often drop them off to concerts at Western Springs or Spark Arena.”
The couple are moving into a retirement village after much soul searching.
Ron says: “After all, you don’t run away from a view like that.”
Agent Steen Nielsen says: “It’s such a surprise to realise the magnificent sea views from this pin-accurate, north-facing standalone home bursting with potential with its versatile setup and brilliant location.” Auction: February 17
Contact: Steen Nielsen, Ray White, 0275 578 336