Sarah quickly recognised that she and husband Campbell had bought in a good neighbourhood when a nearby Mount Albert Grammar student insisted on handing over his umbrella after he saw her struggling with a pushchair and three small children, in the rain.
“He got his umbrella back – with some chocolates – and that great sense of community has remained during our 16 years here, in fact, the properties around us are so tightly held, none of our neighbours has left!”
She says that the property’s previous owner – a builder – had already pushed out the back of the house to create the large, living, dining and smart, modern kitchen area while she and Campbell added their stamp to the 100-year-old home in the form of updated décor, statement wallpapers, and handsome oak built-in furniture.
As the children grew, the house continued to meet the family’s needs with its generous master bedroom, two oversized double bedrooms as well as a smaller, single one.
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The family room at the front of the house has a built-in study nook hidden behind a sliding door and was always a gathering place for the children’s schoolmates.
Sarah says that all the changes made by the property’s owners over the decades have always been faithful to its heritage.
“Things like the lovely stained-glass windows really do tell stories.”
As fans of outdoor living and entertaining, Sarah and Campbell’s most major project was installing the swimming pool, which has been a hit, not only with their children, but also with their friends.
The 180sqm home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple living areas, garaging, decking and a swimming pool on a 777sqm section. Photo / Supplied
The property’s previous owner, a builder, had already pushed out the back of the house to create the large, living, dining and smart, modern kitchen area. Photo / Supplied
Extensive decking means there’s a place for everyone and alfresco dining in summer couldn’t be easier with a louvred roof offering protection while in winter, the outdoor fire is always a hit.
Surrounded by palms – some bearing bananas – and other subtropical plants, the garden also boasts an impressive citrus grove with lemons, limes and mandarins – along with Sarah’s rose-picking garden which yields masses of blooms every summer.
“Everyone tells us that it feels like being at a resort because there’s quite a Balinese flavour. We’re so quiet and peaceful here, yet it’s still very urban living,” says Sarah.
With their children having mostly left the nest, Sarah and Campbell have decided to try a different style of life – more streamlined and closer to the city, so he can walk to work.
“I think Alexis Avenue has remained so popular because you’re close to so many local attractions like Auckland Zoo, Motat, Rocket Park, Westfield St Lukes and the Mount Albert Aquatic Centre,” she says.
Extensive decking means alfresco dining in summer couldn’t be easier with a louvred roof offering protection while in winter, the outdoor fire is always a hit. Photo / Supplied
“We’re so quiet and peaceful here, yet it’s still very urban living,” says one of the owners. Photo / Supplied
The property is also well positioned for public transport with the bus routes and the train station nearby.
Rachel Berry is excited to be marketing this special property.
“It really is a great street, and with the house being set back, behind the double garage, the owners enjoy incredible privacy. This house works for all ages from small children to teens – it’s zoned for Gladstone School and Mount Albert Grammar is just two minutes away.”
38 Alexis Avenue in Mount Albert, Auckland, goes to auction on May 20.
- Sponsored by Ray White
