While many New Zealand homeowners can regale fascinating anecdotes about their property’s past, not many involve the Queen of England.
The late Queen Elizabeth II visited 14 Maungakiekie Ave back in 1953, the year of her coronation, and current owner Cheryl Katz-Rae says it’s become an amazing talking point. “Even if they’re not royalists or monarchists, people are quite fascinated by the story,” she says.
The Queen had set out on a six-month tour of Australia and New Zealand and arrived in New Zealand on December 23.
“Sadly on the 24th was the horrific Tangiwai rail disaster, which at that time was the worst disaster New Zealand had ever experienced. Apparently, a lot of people on the train were headed to Auckland to see the Queen.
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“One hundred and fifty-one people were killed but three of the survivors came and stayed with their friends who lived in this house. On Boxing Day, on her way to the races, the Queen requested they do a detour here to visit those three survivors.
“It was very spontaneous and the neighbours rushed out when they saw the entourage. There was no media present but one of the neighbours took a photo, which was published in The Auckland Star. We’ve got the clipping framed in our office and the house is still covered in the same ficus you see in the photograph.”
Cheryl and husband Andres purchased the home in 2010 and were charmed by the old English style of the house and the potential it presented.
“The previous owners had been here since the 70s so it was a little bit tired but we’ve extensively renovated and had a lot of fun doing it. We’ve tried to stay true to the integrity of the house but modernised and lightened it up. We also really wanted a large garden because we’re both keen gardeners.”
During the 1953 visit by Queen Elizabeth II, the ficus covered the house as it still does today. Photo / Supplied
The current owners bought the home in 2010, charmed by the old English style of the house and the potential it presented. Photo / Supplied
Key living and dining areas are located on entry level and flow out to the generous deck. Photo / Supplied
The three-storey home provides a functional floor plan for easy family living, entertaining and even garnering income. Key living and dining areas are located on entry level and flow out to the generous deck, while the separate office provides space to work from home.
Four bedrooms, including the master with ensuite and private balcony, and the family bathroom are located upstairs. Downstairs offers the huge bonus of separate accommodation, which the couple has also beautifully renovated. It incorporates a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and its own entrance.
“It’s been a really lovely, multipurpose space. It was great for our kids to stay at home when they were at university and have their own independence. Now we operate it as an Airbnb. We run at almost 100% occupancy and meet some really fabulous people.
“As well as Cornwall Park, we’re near the hospital, so people come from out of town and the partner stays here while the person is in hospital. Then there’s the people coming for all the exhibitions at the showgrounds.”
Cheryl says that they have enjoyed many large-scale family events and the property hosts a crowd with ease.
The 318sqm residence, which sits on 1052sqm, has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, garaging and off-street parking and multiple living spaces. Photo / Supplied
Listing agent Dean Tuffley: “The more you go through the home, the better it gets and the additional income opportunity is a real bonus.” Photo / Supplied
“We had our son’s wedding here, it was very last minute at the tail end of Covid. It felt like the garden had been designed for it – we designed the garden but we never dreamed we’d be hosting weddings in it! We were thrilled, it was a really special day. We also held our daughters 21st here, which was a lovely occasion too.”
Dean Tuffley, from Ray White, is selling the property and says the history behind the home and the ties to royalty makes it very unique and special.
“It’s also got a gorgeous street presence and they always say, ‘if you can’t see it, don’t buy it’. The more you go through the home, the better it gets and the additional income opportunity is a real bonus,” says Dean.
The huge freehold section sits on the border of Cornwall Park. “The gardens are gorgeous and sunny and the flat lawn is the perfect spot to put in a pool.”
14 Maungakiekie Avenue in Greenlane, Auckland, goes to auction on November 18.
- Sponsored by Ray White
