Held by the same family for more than five decades, this well-maintained two-storey heritage home in Saint Heliers is coming to market for the first time in 53 years.
Set in a peaceful cul-de-sac with views of Rangitoto Island and street access to nearby Dingle Dell Reserve, the home offers space and lifestyle within easy reach of the village and schools, yet away from the bustle.
It’s been a haven and a happy home for the vendors and is now ready for its next family to make memories, says the vendors’ daughter Amanda, who recalls it as a wonderful place to grow up.
Her parents are now ready to downsize, having made full use of the 822sqm section over the years – adding an extension and swimming pool in the backyard, while the front lawn at times served as parking for a number of yachts.
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“Dad is really good with carpentry and a boat enthusiast,” says Amanda.
“He’d get the hull and decks made by a boat builder and then he’d move it on to the front of the property, put it on a cradle and spend the next two years in evenings and on weekends working on the boat and fitting out the interior with cabinetry.
“Then that would be launched and we’d sail on it for years. He did that a few times. His great loves were a Townson 32 and a Townson 34.”
When her parents first saw the home, they knew right away that they were going to take it.
A thoughtfully executed extension at the rear of the home added a family room. Photo / Supplied
The home was built in 1936, and its original character is preserved through native timber floors, oak-panelled walls, a sweeping staircase and leadlight windows. Photo / Supplied
“They were actively looking for something to buy in the area. My dad moved to New Zealand from England when he was 15 and this was a very old-style majestic English home with lovely proportions and original oak panelling and features. It’s also on a lovely section with a beautiful aspect,” she says.
“Being down a cul-de-sac and opposite Dingle Dell, there are no other houses opposite you, so you’ve got this great sense of space, openness and light. It’s a beautiful, big family home that you can live in so easily and you’re really connected with nature.”
With three double bedrooms – and a smaller single bedroom added as the family grew – the house provided ample space for the magical childhood Amanda and her siblings enjoyed. Two of the bedrooms have views of Rangitoto Island and out over the harbour, while the outlook of the third double bedroom is a tree-filled valley.
“It was a fun place to be as a kid. You could ride your bike and walk to school and Dingle Dell is right there. It was just a fabulous place to be. On weekends in summer dad would walk us down to the beach for a swim and we also spent a lot of time sailing. It’s also a home with lots of room and provides a great outdoor life.”
The addition of a swimming pool in the backyard added another layer of fun to the family who spent a lot of time sailing, swimming at the beach and playing at nearby Dingle Dell Reserve. Photo / Supplied
The addition of a swimming pool in the backyard added another layer of fun. The home was built in 1936, and its original character is preserved through native timber floors, oak-panelled walls, a sweeping staircase, leadlight windows and a servery in the formal dining room.
There’s also a small library. Other features include a bear door knocker and a cute fold-down shoe polish shelf in the laundry. Over the years the lounge has also housed a grand piano as her mum is a proficient pianist.
A thoughtfully executed extension at the rear of the home added a family room and created the opportunity to renovate the kitchen and enclose the downstairs bathroom – previously separate – incorporating it into the main house.
Later renovations included adding a fourth bedroom and opening up the rear of the home with substantial decking that flows out to a new swimming pool and more recently updating the upstairs bathroom.
The residence has been carefully maintained over the last 53 years with renovations, upgrades and maintenance. Photo / Supplied
Two of the bedrooms have views of Rangitoto Island and out over the harbour. Photo / Supplied
Well cared for over the years, the property has also seen several recent upgrades, including a new roof, ducted heating and cooling in the ceiling and floor, a new outdoor deck and a refurbished pool. And now that there are no boats on the front lawn, there’s ample space for parking in addition to the tandem double garage.
Schools in the zone include St Heliers School, St Ignatius Catholic School, Glendowie College and Baradene College.
This home has a special energy filled with family memories when you walk in says Amy Robertson, of Ray White.
“It retains its original character but with a surprising modern extension with a swimming pool and entertaining area. We know a family will walk through the green front door, instantly fall in love and move in ready to add their touch over time,” says Robertson.
29 Parkside Street in Saint Heliers, Auckland, will be auctioned off on April 15.
- Sponsored by Ray White
