This large character 1920s bungalow occupies a substantial level corner site in the heart of the golden triangle in Mount Albert, where all-day sun, an established garden, expansive front yard and a swimming pool set the scene for family life.
It’s been the perfect set-up for the current owners since 2019. They were looking in the area for a large family home with plenty of light, good entertaining areas and lots of outdoor space for their three kids and dog.
The fact that it was close to great local shops and cafes, local schools (Gladstone Primary, Mount Albert Grammar) and a short walk to the summit of Mount Albert (Ōwairaka) also ticked their boxes.
The owners are grateful to have moved in October 2019 not long before the Covid lockdowns. “We went from a half site to a full site with its huge front garden, swimming pool, and loads of living area,” says the owner.
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Another big selling point for the family was the big flat front lawn – perfect for ball games – and beautifully kept. Though the same could not be said of the back garden at the time, which the owners have since transformed into a private green oasis.
This included the removal of “a falling down chicken coop” and replanting the whole boundary, replacing tired hedging and trees with a ficus hedge, tall evergreen alders and a camellia hedge that gives the property a neat, well-maintained feel with wonderful privacy. They’ve also set up irrigation for the garden which can be remotely controlled and has rain sensors.
All four bedrooms in the home are generously sized. The master, which has an ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and doors that open to the pool area, is “a retreat from the rest of the house”.
Character features of the weatherboard home include its leadlight windows. The home has also been extended over the years to accommodate modern family living. Multiple living areas face into the garden and also to the west-facing side of the home.
The 239sqm home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple living areas, garaging and off-street parking, as well as a swimming pool on a 1037sqm section. Photo / Supplied
The character home has been extended over the years to accommodate modern family living. Photo / Supplied
The residence has been the perfect set-up for the current owners since 2019. Photo / Supplied
The loft room upstairs is a great fourth bedroom and teen hangout. It has space for a queen bed and has two built-in single beds perfect for sleepovers. It’s also a great room to have families to stay as well.
Last year they renovated the front of the house. Additions included new walls, doors, carpet, built-in wardrobes (Boston Wardrobes), double glazing for energy efficiency and a new underfloor heating system which has temperature for separate rooms/zones.
Built-in bookshelves in the TV room are another addition they’ve brought to the home, though they’ve not altered the home’s layout. “We like the fact this home has character and unique spaces. While it has many beautiful traditional elements, it’s not a boring cookie-cutter design.”
A favourite space is the sunroom at the front of the house. “It’s a step down into this room and the huge windows bring the garden inside. We call it the garden room, because you feel like you’re in the garden. It’s just a beautiful spot to sit.”
The TV room is another favourite where the family have spent many nights watching movies and spending time together.
The home is also light-filled and sunny. “You can follow the sun around the house. There’s so much light, even on a rainy day.”
The home is also light-filled and sunny. Photo / Supplied
The master bedroom, which has an ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and doors that open to the pool area, is “a retreat from the rest of the house”. Photo / Supplied
The east-facing bedrooms get the morning sun and the north and west-facing living areas enjoy the sun throughout the day. The pool area gets the last of the sunshine – perfect for after-school swims.
It’s a home that doesn’t limit the way you want to live and entertain. “It’s an easy house to host a crowd. We love the large front garden and have hosted many summer parties and family gatherings here – there’s so much room to spread out picnic blankets, play outdoor games or read a book under the Japanese maple.”
The pool has also had lots of use with three teenagers. “It’s an easy way to have mates over because they all just come over for a swim and eat pizza, and it’s just a winning formula. This home has a great vibe and we have loved living here.”
Rachel Berry, of Ray White, says homes of this calibre are becoming increasingly hard to find.
“Set on a substantial, sun-soaked corner site with fabulous flow, complete privacy and outdoor spaces equally suited to entertaining and relaxed family living, this is the sort of property buyers wait for,” says Rachel.
49 Lloyd Avenue in Mount Albert, Auckland, is heading to auction on August 5.
- Sponsored by Ray White
