Ten years ago, home owners Nicky and Anthony made a move across town, from Mount Eden to Freemans Bay, where they had found the most perfect property for themselves and their then-small children, not far from Westmere, where Anthony grew up.
Nicky says that the house itself was hugely appealing, with loads of space for family life, and the bonus of a garage, which is relatively rare in a neighbourhood where most homes were constructed well over 100 years ago.
9A Wood Street also offered excellent indoor-outdoor flow, with a covered loggia, swimming pool and extensive decking, as well as grass for children and pets to play on.
Nicky says that the house had been renovated and was move-in ready, with a layout that allowed for excellent separation as the children grew, and large open-plan spaces for entertaining.
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It worked especially well during the Covid lockdowns, when their daughter was able to set herself up in the downstairs bedroom and bathroom wing, to study in peace.
While the main work was already complete when they bought the property, Nicky and Anthony have made a number of cosmetic changes during their time in residence, including undertaking significant landscaping around the pool.
They’ve also refurbished the bathrooms, replaced the carpets – twice, and repainted and re-roofed the house – as well as adding in spectacular statement lighting from ECC.
The interior is light, bright and sunny, with a sophisticated chef’s kitchen at the heart of the main living area, and pleasant, sunny bedrooms.
The 181sqm home, which sits on a compact 405sqm section with swimming pool, has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple living areas and parking for two vehicles. Photo / Supplied
The owners have refurbished the bathrooms, replaced the carpets – twice, repainted and re-roofed the house – as well as adding in spectacular statement lighting from ECC. Photo / Supplied
The interior is light, bright and sunny. Photo / Supplied
Nicky says that she and Anthony will especially miss regular firework displays in the sky above the city, having had a ringside seat for so many years, but with their children at the leaving home stage, the couple plan to spend more time at Omaha, therefore requiring a significantly smaller city base.
“It’s truly been like having our own private resort here – looking out towards the magical twinkly lights of Auckland.
“And being in such easy walking distance of Ponsonby Road has been great too. We only occasionally have to use our cars,” says Nicky.
She and Anthony have made firm friends in the neighbourhood and enjoy regular dog-walking in local parks.
The owners will miss regular firework displays in the sky above the city, having had a ringside seat for so many years. Photo / Supplied
The sophisticated chef’s kitchen is at the heart of the main living area. Photo / Supplied
Rachel Berry sells many character homes in central Auckland, and says what sets Nicky and Anthony’s home apart from others of a similar era is a seamless blend of old and new – and of course, the spectacular views which sweep across the city skyline.
“Another bonus is the level lawn – even though the property is elevated, and obviously the proximity to everything you could ever need is amazing, yet you’re in a quiet, private cul-de-sac.”
Rachel says that Nicky and Anthony are very motivated to sell up and move on, noting that properties of this calibre in such a central location are tightly held and hard to find, with a regular school bus service making life easy for families with children at private schools.
9A Wood Street in Freemans Bay, Auckland, goes to auction on August 12.
- Sponsored by Ray White
