From stucco to weatherboard, the owners of this outstanding family home in Remuera joke that they “do up homes for other people”.
This is because they always leave a home in better shape than they found it as it matters to them that any house they sell is one they’d happily live in themselves.
Twenty-three years ago Pam and Warren Childs moved back to Auckland from Christchurch and were keen to return to Remuera which they’d previously called home and were delighted to find 2/27 Raumati Road.
“It had good flow and we could both see the potential of what we wanted to do,” says Warren.
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It’s the longest they’ve ever lived in one place and they’re reluctant to move on but the time has come to downsize.
Faced with the reality of “stucco stigma” despite never having any issues themselves with the home over the past couple of decades, they made the decision to reclad the home with weatherboard which also meant they were able to replumb and rewire the property, add new data cabling and insulate with quality wool bats.
Now with the works all complete, it’s time to move on and the irony is not lost on the couple. “We’re sad to leave but this is a family house and too big for us,” says Warren.
Other improvements they’ve made to the home in recent years include replacing the cedar windows which would stick in summer, the French doors that rattled in winter – with German uPVC frames and double glazing. The bathrooms have been renovated.
Internal French doors added, and a gas fire installed in the sitting room has been deliberately designed to turn on manually so that it can still operate in a power cut. And a new alarm system, and convenient keyless entry which they love.
The loft space above the garage has a couch that converts into a queen-size bed and is perfect for “a grumpy teenager” and storage. Photo / Supplied
The paved patio – which in the past has held a pop-up pool – means there are no lawns to mow. Photo / Supplied
The residence has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple living areas, double garage and off-street parking. Photo / Supplied
Both keen cooks and entertainers, they’re on to their third kitchen, having initially replaced the original kitchen and then upgrading once again with plenty of bench space, storage, induction hobs and double oven.
“We like to entertain and have had lots of lovely dinner parties with family and friends. The French doors flow out on to the covered veranda. It has a really good feel to it. It’s almost like it’s been built for Italian long lunches,” says Warren.
The paved patio – which in the past has held a pop-up pool for the grandchildren – means there are no lawns to mow, while the terraced garden and mature flowering cherry blossom provide a pretty outlook.
“When visitors come from out of town they can’t believe we’re in the middle of a big city because it’s so quiet and sheltered and you can hear the birds,” says Pam. “We have our own wee microclimate which is great for the vegetable garden.”
Over the years the double-storey home has been filled with family and grandchildren at different times and has three double bedrooms and a single bedroom on the upper level.
The master bedroom has an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. The living quarters are on the ground floor and light streams into the home through the large windows and French doors. Here rooms flow into each other and to the outdoors.
The owners replaced the original kitchen and then upgraded it with plenty of bench space, storage, induction hobs and double oven. Photo / Supplied
The terraced garden, mature flowering cherry blossom and lush greenery provide a pretty outlook. Photo / Supplied
“It’s just a stunning, low maintenance, warm, sunny, spacious family home and the large kitchen is great for cooking and entertaining. We love coming home, we love living here and have shared many happy occasions with family and friends,” says Pam.
The carpeted garage currently accommodates two cars, a work bench and two fridges. The above loft space has a couch that converts into a queen-size bed and perfect for “a grumpy teenager” and storage.
What they’ve also loved about living here is the convenience of the location, which initially drew them back to Remuera.
Being a two-minute drive to Orakei Basin which has been wonderful for walking the dog. A two-minute walk to the nearest Four Square and close to Remuera Village, Little Rangitoto Park, local playgrounds and coffee shops.
“Arriving at 2/27 is like coming home to a stately country house,” says Steve Koerber of Bayleys.
“Nestled in the valley between Upland and Orakei Rd, the peace and quiet here is surreal. Upgraded to last a lifetime, this double glazed home enjoys a north-westerly aspect and a great double garage plus off street parking.”
- 2/27 Raumati Road in Remuera, Auckland, goes to auction on December 2
