The saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” applies to this fully renovated bungalow, initially suggesting cuteness rather than anything considerable or colossal.
The attractive double-grammar zoned home’s street frontage downplays its considerable 327sqm layout extending over two levels, encompassing triple garaging, and its colossal 1252sqm of land including a glorious backyard.
One of its owners says: “We’ve had so many friends come in and be surprised about how the layout just keeps going and the unusually large amount of land.”
The backyard’s outdoor loggia with louvre roof, swimming pool and spa still leave lots of room for adults-versus-children cricket games on the lawn, plus the back subtropical garden with playhouse and built-in firepit.
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The couple, both busy working in the medical industry, moved here from their previous Mount Eden home in 2021, wanting a larger and quieter “family forever” property.
“Our eldest was about to start school, there are fantastic schools nearby and my dad lives over this side of town, able to easily help with school pick-ups if needed. Mt Eden properties were selling for crazy prices back then so, surprisingly, we felt we were getting more land for our money in Remuera.”
The family, with children now aged 3, 7 and 9, love the convenience of no-exit Woodley Avenue, renowned for its friendliness. A front fence and auto driveway gate mask the scale of this long home and fully fenced land, where the main rear living expanse and backyard face north.
“The previous owners had done a big renovation including extension in 2017-2018, to a really high standard. Our builders commenting how well the build had been done.”
The considerable 327sqm layout extends over two levels, encompassing triple garaging, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a deck and swimming pool on a colossal 1252sqm of land. Photo / Supplied
Wide-opening doors create flow out to a sun-drenched side deck for alfresco dining. Photo / Supplied
“The previous owners had done a big renovation including extension in 2017-2018, to a really high standard,” the owners say. Photo / Supplied
As well as significant rear landscaping, the couple’s improvements have included painting, putting in a new kitchen, ducted air-conditioning and re-doing bathrooms.
“It has a beautiful wide hallway and breathtaking flow past an elegant formal lounge great for quiet entertaining, and four bedrooms all on the same level to the main kitchen-dining-family area.”
Wide-opening doors create flow out to a sun-drenched side deck where you can dine alfresco, keeping an eye on the swimming pool. The entertainers’ kitchen’s subtle shaker-style cabinetry pays a nod to some 1930s character features such as leadlights and high ceilings.
Bedrooms include the ensuited master with walk-in wardrobe, two bedrooms both with ensuite access to the second bathroom and another bedroom and bathroom.
Downstairs offers a dedicated home theatre and a rear rumpus room with powder room and sink, handy to corral toys or quench guests’ thirst on the loggia outside. Its triple internal-access garage fits the third car the nanny uses.
Bayleys agent Steve Koerber: “This is a large renovated home with nothing needing to be done, designed for family in a very family-friendly street.” Photo / Supplied
The owners hired professional landscapers to create a good, flat backyard. Photo / Supplied
“We spent a lot of money having professionals landscape the rear, including creating good flat lawn, and now it’s one of our family’s favourite places to be, often with friends. We even have an inflatable slide we can set up on the lawn.”
Wairua Reserve is less than 500m away, with Little Rangitoto Reserve and the Benson Road shops among the family’s favourites. “When you come home everything feels peaceful and welcoming. We’ve felt a real sense of joy living here.”
They now need somewhere with a self-contained area where one of their mothers can live. They’re not keen on the disruption it would cause to extend this home further, given they have young children and busy careers.
Bayleys agent Steve Koerber says: “This is a large renovated home with nothing needing to be done, designed for family in a very family-friendly street, which sometimes gets closed off for street parties.
“It’s increasingly rare to get sections of this size and the home theatre and triple garaging are a real bonus.”
- 12 Woodley Avenue in Remuera, Auckland, goes to auction on June 17
