The current owners were expecting their first child when they bought this traditional Remuera weatherboard bungalow in 1996, before moving in early in 1997, with the intention of creating the perfect environment for a typical kiwi childhood.
A full section provided plenty of space for the trampoline and basketball hoop, and well-established trees were ideal for hanging a swing.
They say that there’s also potential for adding a swimming pool, but that’s something they didn’t get around to doing.
The couple had assumed that everything about the house itself was fairly original, but one day, not long after they bought it, an elderly man peered through the gate, explaining that the house had been built by his father and he’d been born there.
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Having been invited in by the owners, he noted that the property had actually changed quite a lot, explaining – for instance, that it once had an outside bathroom, whereas today there are two pleasant, modern ones, inside.
Over 30 years the owners have worked through a couple of renovation cycles, while always keeping the home’s intrinsic character intact.
“We changed the kitchen, added a bedroom and a garage, plus a covered deck and in 2025 we replaced the roof.”
They say the layout works well with a combined kitchen-diner, a family room and a separate – more formal – living room.
Over the 30 years of ownership, the vendors done several renovation cycles. Photo / Supplied
“We changed the kitchen, added a bedroom and a garage, plus a covered deck and in 2025 we replaced the roof,” the owners said. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent Steve Koerber says there’s still plenty of scope for the new owners to put their own mark on it. Photo / Supplied
The primary bedroom lies along one side of the house – complete with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite while there are three further bedrooms and a home office on the other side. Decor is crisp, cool and uncomplicated with many precious, original features and the owners have enjoyed the convenience of a separate laundry adjacent to the kitchen.
As keen gardeners, they’ve loved keeping the grounds neat and tidy, cutting the hedge regularly to highlight pleasant views across the leafy valley. The owners have found Combes Road and the near neighbourhood in general very friendly and pleasant and being so close to Remuera Village they tend to walk a lot.
“I go up every morning to buy a coffee and a croissant,” says one.
In an excellent zone, including Victoria Avenue Primary, Remuera Intermediate, Auckland Grammar School, and Epsom Girls Grammar School plus a plethora of private schools, there is plenty of choice when it comes to education.
As keen gardeners, the owners have kept the grounds neat and tidy, and there’s potential to add a swimming pool. Photo / Supplied
The layout has worked well with a combined kitchen-diner, a family room and a separate – more formal – living room. Photo / Supplied
Their two children have now moved out but it’s the only home either of them have ever known so naturally there is some sadness, according to their empty-nester parents.
Bayleys agent Steve Koerber says that family-sized homes in this sought-after area always attract plenty of interest and this will be no exception.
“While it is lovely and liveable, on a single level, just as it is, there’s still plenty of scope for new owners to put their own mark on it,” he says.
“With space to capitalise on the location you could possibly look into building a second storey.”
He adds that one of his favourite aspects of the property is a built-in coffee machine. “Who wouldn’t like that!”
- 47 Combes Road, Remuera, Auckland, goes to auction on August 26
