Greg and Michelle Currie are used to discovering titbits about their home at 523 State Highway One in Kauri, Whangarei from peculiar places.
Elderly women with hazy photos appear on their doorstep and strangers pop in to reminisce on the stairwell – all part of the charm of owning an historic homestead.
Hall Homestead is thought to have been built in the early 1900s for Mr Hall, an Irish solicitor, his wife and their nine daughters.
It stood on the Paihia waterfront to live out its destiny as grand holiday home but when the land was eyed for development in the 1980s, the solution was to disassemble it and relocate it to Kauri, a rural area 10 minutes north of Whangarei.
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Hall Homestead is thought to have been built in the early 1900s for Mr Hall, his wife and their nine daughters. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent Tanya Maich, who is marketing the property, recalls hearing the groans of trucks hauling the puzzle-like pieces past her childhood home.
“I was captivated by the thought of a new home moving to the area, like waiting to meet a new friend at school.”
Greg and Michelle have spent the past 28 years adding their chapter to the tale of Hall Homestead, which is to be auctioned on December 22.
Their two boys learnt to walk and to drive here on the 3.0536-hectare property, and their parents shared many a wine fire-side with friends.
The home sits on 3.0536 hectares and there's a fully enclosed shed of about 108sqm with an adjoining double garage and lean-to. Photo / Supplied
One of the vendors says: “It's been an honour to own this unique, irreplaceable property built by real pioneers with real timbers.” Photo / Supplied
They have maintained the home’s original features – ornate archways, native timber floors and timber panelled ceilings – and a large wood burner to deliver year-round comfort.
“Gumboots may be a must in winter but the underfloor heating is quick to heat the coldest of toes,” Michelle says.
“It's been an honour to own this unique, irreplaceable property built by real pioneers with real timbers,” Greg adds.
There are four bedrooms, two lounges, two bathrooms, a separate laundry and a large office easily utilised as a fifth bedroom.
The current owners have lived 28 years on the property, adding value to the home and the land. Photo / Supplied
The kitchen and adjoining dining area is the hub of the home. Photo / Supplied
The luxurious kitchen with high-end appliances and adjoining dining area is an inviting hub, and social gatherings easily extend to the outdoor entertaining areas via two sets of French doors which open to the deck and pool.
The pool is set in a cobbled brick surround and enjoys the shelter of an adjacent tropical garden, while the pool house doubles as a den or sleepout. There’s an impressive yard space set out of sight of the house which accommodates a fully enclosed shed of about 108 square metres, with an adjoining double garage and lean-to.
There are four bedrooms, two lounges, two bathrooms and a large office easily utilised as a fifth bedroom. Photo / Supplied
The mechanics pit, office, toilet, laundry and mezzanine make for flexible use. There are further open-ended sheds with water-blasting facilities.
With immediate access to SH1 and an easy 10-minute drive to Kamo village from its location at 523 State Highway 1, this property also enjoys access to the Kauri water scheme and guaranteed entry to Kaurihohore Primary School.
Greg and Michelle have no further need of the primary school now that their two boys are adults, and they are giving in to the temptation of a relocation to the nearby Tutukaka Coast.
523 State Highway One in Kauri, Whangarei will be sold at auction on December 22.
