“For some reason this house was situated at the back of its site, with no rear garden, yet plenty of land at the front,” says Sarah, who bought her Saint Heliers home over 35 years ago, in 1990.
“I mentioned the possibility of moving it forward to the architect we were working with, and at first he looked shocked but then decided it could be done – in fact, it only took an hour or so, although it was just one storey back then!”
While it was simply a matter of a few metres, that move opened up a whole raft of possibilities for the house (which was originally built around the 1920s), without sacrificing character.
“There were some quite major changes: building a top floor and extending the living area,” says Sarah.
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“We ended up with the most perfect family home – plus really amazing views. You can see the Harbour Bridge, which looks great when it’s lit up, and I really love the sunsets.”
At 329sqm, the home was now very large and Sarah says that its general functionality and excellent flow to extensive decking, both covered and uncovered, made it suitable for everyone, from small children to adults.
“All the spaces work very well, especially for entertaining, and there’s always been a nice, relaxed feel about it.”
The two-level residence has a combined living room and kitchen on the ground floor with the added bonus of a very well-equipped scullery for food preparation and loads of extra storage space to boot.
The two-level residence has a combined living room and kitchen on the ground floor with the added bonus of a well-equipped scullery. Photo / Supplied
The 329sqm home has five bedrooms and four bathrooms, and sits on a 938sqm section. Photo / Supplied
Another living room adjacent to the formal dining room enjoys all-day sun, Sarah says, adding that the dining room housed a table tennis table until relatively recently, but now there’s a proper table, setting the scene for happy occasions with visiting adult children.
Also on this level is a separate laundry, a storeroom, and a bedroom plus two bathrooms and an internal access double garage.
Upstairs, lie four big bedrooms, including the primary suite, a family bathroom and also attic space for storage.
Now living overseas, Sarah says the decision to sell was difficult.
Every time she comes back and sees her pretty garden she’s reminded of how much she loves the property, but it’s now time for a clean break so that a young family can move in and make memories, enjoying a classic Kiwi lifestyle just a few moments from the beach.
Upstairs, lie four big bedrooms, including the primary suite, a family bathroom and attic space for storage. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent Peter Cleave says this is the perfect family home with room to grow. Photo / Supplied
“Churchill Park School is very good, and the children walked there each day. And as a family we loved Glover Park. Plus, you almost always run into someone you know at the local bakery and coffee shop,” says Sarah.
Agent Peter Cleave says this is the perfect family home that you will never have to leave as your children grow.
Large generous bedrooms and space for everyone, views to the harbour, a great pool and lovely grounds, this is a wonderful opportunity for a discerning buyer.
“This substantial and charming character home is a property that truly grows with you. Loved, modernised and thoughtfully extended over many years by the current owners, it’s designed for long-term living.”
827 Riddell Road in Saint Heliers, Auckland, is for sale by auction on March 18.
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