A PERFECT FIT

Sympathetically maintained since it was built in the 1940s, this has been a very happy family home, discovers LOUISE RICHARDSON.

Situated in a position where it’s handy to everything, yet incredibly private, this classic mid-20th Century dwelling is surrounded by older homes, yet still fits into its neighbourhood perfectly.

The current owner and his wife bought the property, set on 853sqm, around 22 years ago.

“We loved all the kauri and rimu that had been used in its construction,” he says.

The original California-style bungalow had been extended in the 1950s but still retained its original kitchen, complete with a copper for doing the laundry.

“It was quite a major job gutting the centre of the house and we were conscious of keeping its heritage carefully in mind as we rebuilt it.”

He and his wife engaged an interior designer to assist them in choosing appropriate colours and materials for the interior.

There are four bedrooms one of which, the master, has an ensuite while two further bathrooms serve the other three.

“We had two children, with partners, arrive home from overseas before last year’s Alert Level 4 lockdown kicked in, and the layout worked incredibly well for the next 12 months because each couple effectively had their own bedroom and bathroom,” the owner says.

With ducted central heating throughout, he notes that there’s little need for other heating methods, but in the lounge with its huge picture windows, there is a period fireplace.

A second lounge opens to a sunny deck area for entertaining and summer fun whether it’s parties or leisurely lunches.

There’s loads of level lawn and the owner’s wife has created a dream garden, that bursts with colour practically all-year-round.

The double garage has workshop and tool storage space and there’s additional offstreet parking.

“The fact that we’ve lived here so long must give a good idea of how much we’ve loved it!” he says.

With their children now living in their own homes, the couple have decided to look for something smaller and they imagine that the property will appeal to a new young family, especially as it’s zoned for AGS and EGGS which are just a short walk or bike ride away as well as Epsom Normal Primary School and ANI Intermediate.

There are several attractive parks and reserves in the vicinity and Mount Eden Village is within easy strolling distance for morning coffee.

There are several attractive parks and reserves in the vicinity and Mount Eden Village is within easy strolling distance for morning coffee, a lunchtime drink in the sun or a hike up to the mountain’s summit.

“When we arrive home from work on Friday, we often don’t get into our cars again until Monday,” the owner says, adding that the Lido Cinema in Manukau Road is another favourite destination, along with nearby tennis courts.

Robyn Ellson from Ray White, Mount Eden says that fans of mid-century style are loving what’s on offer here and she isn’t surprised.

“This [is] the kind of property that you find and hold onto because they don’t come to market very often.”

Sale: Auction, June 30 Contact: Robyn Ellson, Ray White, 021 800 891