As GM of a prominent furnishing fabric company Martin Irvine understands aesthetics, quality and ambience, all of which played their part in him being immediately smitten with this bungalow.
“The aesthetics and feeling of a place are important and everyone who comes around here comments on how wonderful it feels. Someone is going to walk in and say ‘this is it’ just like I did when I bought it.
“It’s got charm, beauty and character, an absolutely beautiful garden, as well as the modern functionality to make it a lovely family home.”
The GM of Warwick Fabrics also recognises the special qualities associated with its location. In the past he owned successive properties in Devonport but became frustrated with the sluggishness of its “one way in-one way out” traffic.
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“I believe Cameron Street is the quietest street in Takapuna despite its handy location. It’s very near the beach and yet only a couple of minutes’ drive to Takapuna’s shops and restaurants or to get on the motorway at Esmonde Road. Cameron Street is one of Takapuna’s best-kept secrets and properties seldom become available on it.”
The bungalow’s previous owners lived here for 43 years, raising their family here. They added its upper level and maintained the bungalow meticulously, as has Martin.
His myriad improvements include installing a new central heating unit and, of course, quality furnishings. He often nips to the beach for a swim, returning to this home he remembers walking past as a teenager when his best friend lived over the road.
Sitting on a 519sqm site, the bungalow is efficiently laid out so it’s able to offer four bedrooms and two living areas. It’s pleasantly private behind front hedging, enjoying a double garage which has a versatile room off it and is fronted by open-air parking.
The 152sqm home sits on a compact 519sqm section and has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a double garage. Photo / Supplied
The current owner’s myriad of improvements include installing a new central heating unit and quality furnishings. Photo / Supplied
Head towards the wrap-around front porch adorned with a climbing rose and you’ll immediately start noticing special details, such as the path and driveway’s decorative inserts and the burbling front yard fountain. A generous front living room precedes an open-plan kitchen-dining area with a wide-opening sliding door for easy indoor-outdoor flow to the rear deck.
Martin says the efficient layout can easily accommodate a crowd, such as 24 adults, 11 children and Santa Claus last Christmas.
“The back deck is partially covered and I cook on my Weber out there year-round. It’s serenity plus in the backyard.”
As well as the deck there’s a patio with built-in outdoor seating ideal for relaxing on and the garden his gardener says is her favourite of all those she tends. It’s gorgeous, a lush sanctuary stylishly combining clipped topiary, lawn, feature plants and colour.
The ensuited primary bedroom, another bedroom, bathroom, powder room and laundry complete downstairs’ layout.
As well as the deck, there’s a patio with built-in outdoor seating ideal for relaxing and admiring the garden. Photo / Supplied
The open-plan kitchen-dining area has a wide-opening sliding door for easy indoor-outdoor flow to the rear deck. Photo / Supplied
Martin’s affinity with the sea sees him sleep in one of the two upstairs bedrooms, which are accompanied by a family room and powder room.
“I love sleeping upstairs because when I wake up and open the curtains I’m looking straight out across the sea to Tiritiri Matangi Island.”
The keen surfer and fisherman spends a lot of time at his place up north or overseas. He knows he’ll miss this special property but feels it’s a waste to retain it given how little time he’s here.
Harcourts agent Lewis Guy says: “It’s time for a new family to join the tightly held Cameron Street community in this remarkable home. It’s a short stroll from arguably Auckland’s best beach and only a few minutes into the city.”
13 Cameron Street in Takapuna, North Shore, Auckland, is on the market for sale by deadline, closing February 11.
- Sponsored by Harcourts
