It’s believed that Earl Johnny Spencer, father of the late Princess Diana, her sisters Jane and Sarah, and brother Charles, who’s been in the news recently, once visited Portaferry Estate, a handsome Arts and Crafts brick and stucco home in Epsom.
Apparently, he was in Auckland as the Queen’s equerry during the royal visit of 1953 and went to play tennis there.
Arriving in the dramatic cedar-panelled hallway and looking up at the magnificent staircase, his thoughts undoubtedly turned to his own home; the magnificent Spencer family seat at Althorp.
Portaferry already had a significant pedigree having been built in 1917 for a member of the famous Caughey retail family – co-founders of the late Smith & Caughey’s department store in Queen Street.
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The current owner understands that the impressive residence with its high ceilings, stained glass windows, sparkling chandeliers and beautiful built-in shelves and cabinets was originally surrounded by rolling farmland.
These days it stands proudly on a neat 817sqm fully fenced site in a quiet, leafy, suburban street, with views to One Tree Hill and Manukau Harbour.
Having purchased the property in 2021 during the pandemic lockdown periods, the owner and her husband proceeded to carry out a large renovation which saw them rewiring the property, restoring parts of the slate roof, rejuvenating the Morgan Cronin French country style kitchen, and installing air conditioning.
Portaferry has a significant pedigree having been built in 1917 for a member of the famous Caughey retail family. Photo / Supplied
The home has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, garaging, and multiple living areas on a 817sqm section. Photo / Supplied
The dramatic cedar-panelled hallway looks up at the magnificent staircase. Photo / Supplied
“We also upgraded the bathrooms and did a lot of painting, but of course we didn’t paint the original wood panelling and beams. It’s far too beautiful,” she says.
The house is notable for its three expansive living spaces, both formal and more informal, and for the size of the five bedrooms, which include the master, with its own bathroom and luxurious dressing room.
An enormous recreation room adjacent to a double garage on the ground floor has its own wet bar, kitchenette and powder room and offers space for virtually any kind of indoor activity.
The current owners have used it as a playroom and home cinema but it’s also perfect for a pool table, band practice or even as guest accommodation – opening out to one of the sunny patios that surround the house.
The owners rejuvenated the Morgan Cronin French country style kitchen. Photo / Supplied
The house is notable for its three expansive living spaces, both formal and informal. Photo / Supplied
Listing agent Steve Koerber says he has marketed many significant Auckland properties, but 9 Quentin Avenue really stands out. Photo / Supplied
“It was going to be our ‘forever’ family home, so we spent a great deal of money,” she says, “but a career opportunity means we’re now leaving Auckland.”
Steve Koerber markets many significant Auckland properties, but he says that this one really stands out.
“Some people worry that an older house like this requires too much attention to maintenance, but the hard work has all been done here – and to a very high standard, so a new owner can simply move in and enjoy it with their family.”
9 Quentin Avenue is perfectly placed for driving to the airport and it’s close to Royal Oak in one direction and Greenwoods Corner in the other.
- 9 Quentin Avenue in Epsom, Auckland, goes to auction on November 4
