Herne Bay regularly features in lists of the nation’s best-known blue-chip neighbourhoods and there are good reasons why Albany Road, which forms part of the suburb’s famous avenues, has remained perennially popular.
The current owner says that she and her family purchased their already completely renovated 1900s four-bedroom villa in 2013 – drawn to high pressed tin ceilings, carefully preserved original character features – such as ornate fretwork and lead lights, and the generous level 435sqm site which allowed plenty of space for their young boys to run around and play.
There’s also a super-sized double garage – something that’s relatively rare in this part of Auckland, due to the era in which local dwellings were constructed, and, better still, it has internal access and a laundry area.
She says that other aspects such as the ultra-modern Gaggenau kitchen – complete with high-end Miele appliances, including triple ovens – and a central island where family and friends like to congregate, were also instantly appealing.
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“It’s certainly been a great house to entertain in, with room for a crowd and we’ve enjoyed some very happy occasions. The living areas get lots of sun – especially in the afternoon and the deck is west-facing.”
The owner notes that while the house is immensely liveable now, there is still scope to enhance it further.
The living areas get a lot of sun, especially in the afternoons. Photo / Supplied
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home has a 208sqm floor plan on a 431sqm site. Photo / Supplied
“Some of the homes around here have had decks built on the top of their garages, so that’s one possibility.
“Also, if you put a bathroom in downstairs, where the fourth bedroom is, you’d have a perfect place for extended family or even for Airbnb.”
She says that there is potential for installing a swimming pool at the rear, too.
“It’s truly the ideal family home. The boys went to Bayfield, which is a very popular primary school, and there are buses that take local children to private schools in other suburbs.
“I can honestly say that I was completely in love with this when we bought it and I have never seen a property since that I think is anything like as lovely.”
The ultra-modern Gaggenau kitchen – complete with high-end Miele appliances, including triple ovens – has a central island. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent Cristina Casares says: “This is the perfect package – it’s elevated, on the sunny side of the street, and, really, it’s the ultimate classic bay villa.” Photo / Supplied
She says that having a view of Sky Tower from the bedroom window reminds her that the CBD is just nearby, yet the quiet beaches and leafy parks of Herne Bay are closer still, along with the many trendy shops and eateries of Jervois Road.
75 Albany Road has a nice green aspect with neat lawns and hedging, which the owner says just needs trimming three or four times a year to keep it in perfect order.
Cristina Casares, from Bayleys, says that houses in these historic streets tend to be tightly held by the families that own and treasure them, so this rare listing represents an excellent opportunity for potential buyers.
“This is the perfect package – it’s elevated, on the sunny side of the street, and, really, it’s the ultimate classic bay villa.”
- 75 Albany Road in Herne Bay, Auckland, is for sale by auction, on October 8
