Kingsland is one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs and was originally a large farm. In the 1880s it was subdivided and prices for the allotments ranged between £28 and £100. The sites were very popular and workers homes were built along First, Second, Third and Fourth Avenues.
When construction company owner Brent Varley bought his then very small, classic 1890s cottage at 28 Fourth Avenue nearly twenty years ago, it was in need of a renovation so he set to work.
Sandi Piggin says that she moved in around 12 years ago, and following the arrival of their two children, now aged five and eight, Brent picked up his tools again - but this time the changes were much more dramatic and were completed only recently.
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“One thing we did was pushing out at the side to create a second living area, adjacent to where the living, dining and kitchen space was already.
“It has a handy little study nook because we know that working from home is increasingly popular,” she says.
The kitchen is new, and very stylish with lots of cupboard capacity and a great view to the huge rear deck with its rustic brick outdoor fireplace.
“One of the things we like the most is the fact that the garden is utterly private,” says Sandi.
“Nobody is looking in on us, and before the children came, we certainly had the occasional party where and played loud music – but there were never any complaints!”
She says that if the family wasn’t moving, they’d have put in a pool.
“It’s definitely doable, and we’ve scoped out where it could go.”
Back indoors, there are four bedrooms towards the front of the house, and all have generous wardrobes.
The master suite is especially impressive with stunning period leadlight windows and its adjoining bathroom has a bath, and a shower – which is essentially a wet area.
The main family bathroom lies off the hallway, where an antique set of doors about halfway down denotes where the house used to end.
“Everybody who comes to visit is amazed at how big it is now, when you step beyond the front door,” says Sandi.
Brent and Sandi have kept the original Kauri floorboards in their living areas, although the bedrooms are carpeted.
Other nineteenth century features, that Brent has restored and retained include golden Kauri ceilings in some of the bedrooms, and the front door, which is an especially attractive design of the time.
Robyn Ellson from Ray White is marketing the property, which is going to auction on 26th June 2019, at the Sapphire Room, Ponsonby Central.
“This beautifully accomplished villa is the perfect next step for those looking for a spacious and finished city fringe home. Set well back from the road it is a truly peaceful and private haven, complete with two living areas and internal access garaging. I just love the easy indoor-outdoor flow to the big backyard. Brilliant local schools include Mt Albert Grammar, Auckland Girls Grammar, Kowhai Intermediate, Newton Central and Mt Albert Primary. Plus we’re only moments from the new Morningside Precinct and Eden Park – it’s just an awesome place to live!”
Find out more about 28 Fourth Avenue, Kingsland
