Here’s why people move to Northcote Point

The current owners found this dream home by accident 24 years ago and bought it, but now it’s time to downsize, writes ERIN REILLY.

The process of finding the perfect home is different for everyone. For this couple, it was a bit of an accident.

“My sister, who was living in the US, wanted to move to New Zealand,” owner Karen says.

“We were living on Queen Street in Northcote Point at the time and when I used to walk my daughter to school we always took Vincent Road. I always used to comment that I loved that street because it was so quiet and quaint.

“One day we saw this property on the market and wondered if it would be a good option for my sister, but when we went along to the open home my husband turned to me and said, ‘We have to buy this for ourselves.’ So we did!”

That was 24 years ago. Since then, Karen and her husband Taylor have turned 12 Vincent Road in Northcote Point, Auckland into a wonderful family home.

After living in the home for a few years to really get a feel for it, they opened up the original sunroom into a large open-plan kitchen and living space which has grounded the home and created a lovely social hub perfect for entertaining and hanging out with the family.

The pie` ce de re´ sistance of the home is the heated swimming pool. “The pool really makes the place,” Karen says.

“You can open the living space right up, sit at the servery and chat while the kids swim. It’s really private, and we’ve spent many hours out there over the years.”

The Hollands have also immersed themselves into the community around them.

“We’ve been living on the street for so long that we know everyone here,” Karen says.

“Children live up and down the street and our door is always open so kids often just come in and play in our yard.

“When I told our neighbours that we’re moving, they gave us a big hug and started crying.”

Proximity to the city has been a huge advantage too.

“I used to work at Auckland Airport so having easy access to the Northern motorway was really handy.

“The Waterview Tunnel changed my life, and the fact that we’re the first stop off the harbour bridge on the way home just makes getting around the city so easy.”

Bayleys agent Anna Mayhew says, “this is the type of house that you move to Northcote

Point for. Character homes coupled with modern living don’t come up very often around here. It has a wonderfully relaxed family feel to it that offers an easy, beautiful lifestyle in one of the best locations in Auckland.”

Leaving Vincent Street has been a heart-breaking decision for Karen and Taylor.

“We are very very sad about leaving, but it’s time for us to downsize and for someone else to create their own special memories here.”

Sale: Auction, July 22 Contact: Anna Mayhew, Bayleys, 021 206 9030; Sue Mayhew, 021 993 855