With three sons under 5, Donna and Jeremy were looking for a long-term family home with plenty of space both inside and out when they first saw 9 Shera Road, in Remuera, in 2002.
Designed by and constructed in the 1950s, the George Kenny cedar dwelling, which sits on a 1322sqm site, had already been subject to a certain amount of renovation, which appeared to have stopped suddenly, but the couple saw yet more potential and couldn’t wait to get stuck into their new project.
First up was the garden which was seriously overgrown and needed to be coaxed back into shape.
Donna says that there is enough lawn for cricket games and the pool has been a constant drawcard to neighbourhood children who have happily dived, splashed and swum with Donna and Jeremy’s boys over the years.
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Donna says that the ground level had previously been turned into a self-contained apartment and she and Jeremy decided to undo that work and incorporate it back into the house – based on a reimagining by Malcolm Bowes of Architectus that included the construction of a new staircase.
As their sons grew older this three-bedroom space downstairs with its own lounge and bathroom gave them their own place to hang out in. “I think they probably slipped a few girls in sometimes too,” laughs Donna.
The main living areas upstairs are contained within a cleverly designed cube which acts as a magnet to the sun. Photo / Supplied
Designed by and constructed in the 1950s, the George Kenny 285sqm cedar dwelling sits on a 1322sqm site. Photo / Supplied
The main living areas upstairs are contained within a cleverly designed cube which acts as a magnet to the sun. The kitchen is at the heart of this zone and there is a spacious family room and a more formal lounge plus a luxurious master suite with its own bathroom, which opens on to a deck.
As keen entertainers Donna and Jeremy have held some very happy special occasions with family and friends at the house, which can accommodate quite a crowd with plenty of space for mixing and milling. An outdoor fireplace is another nice touch and Donna says that the well-established plantings are reasonably easy-care.
“We’re a typical couple in our age group with our boys now living elsewhere and there’s far too much space here for the two of us now,” says Donna.
The kitchen is at the heart of the upstairs main living areas. Photo / Supplied
When the current owners bought the home in 2002, the first thing they tackled and coaxed back into shape was the overgrown garden. Photo / Supplied
When the couple told their sons of the decision to sell, all were shocked at first but quickly realised that the house needs a new young family. With a property up north, Donna and Jeremy have decided to downsize their Auckland life to an apartment.
Richard Thode, who is marketing the property, says that there is never any shortage of buyers in an area prized for its schools, both public and private.
“The fact that Donna and Jeremy and their boys have stayed here so long speaks volumes as to how well it’s worked as a family home. The décor is pleasant, there’s good separation and the house has excellent flow, plus it’s rare to find such a large section – in an elevated position with fantastic views.”
- 9 Shera Road in Remuera, Auckland, is for sale by auction on February 18
