One Remuera family has called this 1920s character bungalow on a freehold 955sqm section home for more than 20 years.
As they prepare to hand over the keys, it presents a rare opportunity for a family looking for space and a home with all the modern comforts that’s close to Meadowbank School, shopping centre, railway station and walkways and local parks including Orakei Basin.
With four bedrooms in the main home, additional accommodation in the pool house, three bathrooms across the property and a backyard designed for entertaining and recreation, the property is well set up for family life.
“When we moved in, it didn’t take long to realise just how special the section was. The size of the backyard gave us the opportunity to create the ultimate family environment,” the owners say.
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That included the addition of a swimming pool and spa, creating a hub for children, friends, and extended family.
Importantly, the owners retained the expansive lawn, which has served as an impromptu cricket pitch, rugby field, football ground, and playground over the years. The garden also features a raised vegetable bed as well as mature planting including a magnificent oak tree.
“It was important to us to keep plenty of open space. The children spent countless hours outside playing sport with friends, and our dog Alfie loved having room to run.”
In 2022, the owners completed a versatile pool house complete with its own bathroom. It has been used as a yoga retreat, guest accommodation, and a private space for grandparents and visiting family members, and has become one of the property’s most valued additions.
Originally built around 1920, this character home combines the timeless appeal of weatherboard construction and a tiled roof with the comforts of modern family living. Over the years, the home has been enhanced to suit the changing needs of a growing family.
The kitchen and living areas were renovated to create a more open-plan layout, improving flow and connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. A larger entertaining deck was added to maximise enjoyment of the afternoon sun and provide a natural gathering place.
The pool house has been used as a yoga retreat, guest accommodation, and a private space for grandparents and visiting family members. Photo / Supplied
Over the years, the home has been enhanced to suit the changing needs of a growing family. Photo / Supplied
The kitchen and living areas were renovated to create a more open-plan layout, improving flow and connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Photo / Supplied
Inside, the home has four bedrooms, generous living spaces, modern bathrooms and a contemporary kitchen, all while retaining the charm of the bungalow’s original character.
A particular highlight is the private master retreat upstairs. Positioned away from the main living areas and family bedrooms, it offers a peaceful sanctuary for parents – a place to unwind and enjoy a sense of separation from the activity of daily family life while remaining closely connected to the rest of the home.
The generously sized light-filled suite enjoys an elevated outlook, including a glimpse of Auckland’s Sky Tower.
Natural light also streams throughout the home, and outdoor spaces. Morning sun bathes the front garden and deck, providing the perfect spot for a quiet coffee or a good book, while the backyard enjoys sunshine throughout the afternoon.
“It’s a warm, sunny family home with a huge heart. It offers space to gather, space to play, and space to retreat. We’ve loved every minute of living here, and we know another family will create just as many wonderful memories as we have.”
The owners have raised three children here and over the years welcomed countless friends and relatives, celebrated milestone birthdays, summer barbecues and created a property designed around family life.
One aspect they have treasured most is the freedom the neighbourhood afforded their children while growing up.
The main home has four bedrooms, generous living spaces, modern bathrooms, a contemporary kitchen, swimming pool and pool house. Photo / Supplied
The owners are selling after more than 20 years in residence because their children have flown the nest. Photo / Supplied
“The kids could run barefoot to and from school, call in on friends along the way, ride their bikes around the neighbourhood, and enjoy the kind of carefree childhood that seems increasingly rare today,” they say.
The property is also fully fenced and secure, offering peace of mind for both children and pets, while the established gardens provide privacy and a sense of tranquillity.
“We’ve loved being part of this neighbourhood. Our children walked to Meadowbank School, and we enjoyed easy access to the Orakei Basin walkways, local parks, and Waiatarua Reserve's off-leash dog area.”
Their decision to move comes with mixed emotions. “Our youngest child is now moving out, and our other two children are overseas. It feels like the right time for another family to enjoy everything this home has to offer.”
A home like this holds massive appeal for families with young children, says Steve Koerber, of Bayleys.
“For the current owners it was important that their kids felt at ease asking their friends over. Once the friends came, they never wanted to leave. A home to create fond memories and countless happy moments.”
- 36 Waiatarua Road in Remuera, Auckland, goes to auction on July 8
