This solid and stately Kohimarama home is like living in your very own grandstand, thanks to its expansive, elevated and unobstructed views over the Madills Farm sports grounds.
“There’s soccer in the winter and cricket in the summer,” says owner Alison, who has lived there with husband Ian for 17 years. “Ian’s great-grandson always comes in and races straight to the window to look at the soccer.”
The couple had been living in Birkenhead and looking for the right place to start their new chapter for two years, when they came across the Allum Street home.
The classic 1950s brick and tile build was full of rimu and although it was presented in largely original condition, they appreciated the solid bones and could see the potential for updating and expanding it to suit their needs.
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“Houses have a feel for me and I loved this one, even though it still had the original carpet. It was very old but we could see what we needed to do.”
Like all great – and successful – renovations, the transformation was a collaborative effort.
“We got a lovely builder, he was a lad from Birkenhead who had been at the same school as my daughter. He loved redoing old houses and was amazing, so we really enjoyed the renovation.”
The reworked floor plan today now incorporates two large double bedrooms upstairs, including a master ensuite, and a single bedroom the couple use as a study. Also on this level are a separate bathroom and toilet and large lounge, dining and kitchen.
As well as a huge picture window for admiring the views, the lounge and kitchen flow out to a northwest-facing deck for alfresco enjoyment in front of the lush green backdrop and distant views of Rangitoto Island.
The home has elevated and unobstructed views over the Madills Farm sports grounds. Photo / Supplied
The kitchen flows out to a northwest-facing deck in front of a lush green backdrop and distant views of Rangitoto Island. Photo / Supplied
Downstairs offers a semi-self-contained guest suite, with its own bedroom/living, ensuite, separate access and outdoor living.
Beyond the expanded footprint, the house is now almost completely double glazed, has multiple heat pumps and an HRV system. The same amount of care has gone into developing the grounds, which are Ian’s domain.
“The front garden is flat and the back is shrubbery that is all pathed through. I have a husband who loved gardening and grows vegetables for the whole year, I’m very lucky,” says Alison.
“As well as the single garage, the property also has an additional secure carport and plenty of off-street parking.
Moving into the neighbourhood was a full circle moment for Alison, who grew up in Kohi. “I know Kohi, I’ve absolutely adored it and have loved coming back here. Ian, who is new to the area, has thoroughly enjoyed it too.”
Ray White agent Alexander Kramarenko says the property enjoys beautiful sunsets and views. Photo / Supplied
“Ian’s great-grandson always comes in and races straight to the window to look at the soccer,” says co-home owner Alison. Photo / Supplied
She says they walk down Melanesia Road for coffee and that the grandchildren love going down to the beach, wandering around the park and going to the playground.
“We’ve loved the convenience of the area – it’s easy to get to town and the motorway and you can walk down the road and along the beach or waterfront. It’s not a hard place to live.”
Alexander Kramarenko, from Ray White, is selling the property and says that as well as the lovely sports field views, it enjoys beautiful sunsets and harbour vistas.
“The section is large, 700sqm, and the house is well positioned on it with plenty of car parking space and a flat area at the front. They have also spent a lot of time developing the garden with mature trees.
“It’s a brick and tile home, it doesn’t get better than that and it’s in great school zones too, including St Thomas and Kohimarama School.”
17 Allum Street in Kohimarama, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on July 22.
- Sponsored by Ray White
