In the undulating suburb of Remuera 1001sqm of level land is a rare find, in this case bearing a double grammar school-zoned bungalow which has been tightly held by one family for more than 50 years.
Retired dentist Kerry Pegler and his late wife Annette, a homemaker who got a masters in art history later in life, bought this 1940s single-level bungalow in 1970, raising their four now-adult children there.
The couple’s youngest son, Ben, says: “Before buying this my parents were living in Market Road in Remuera with my three siblings but they wanted more space.”
His parents bought the property after his mother told his father: “I’ve found this place; it’s located on a quiet cul-de-sac and it’s got a north-facing aspect. It’s got a big, flat, almost quarter-acre section so it’s perfect for the family.”
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Ben imagines his grandad Lionel, who built lots of Auckland state houses, would have given the bungalow his stamp of approval.
21 Rangitoto Avenue in Remuera, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on November 15. The property has a 2021 RV of $3.1 million.
The 1940s single-level bungalow was bought in 1970 by a now retired dentist and his late wife. Photo / Supplied
Ben says: “I was born after my parents bought this house and I grew up here. For me this house is like going back in time, remembering being there.
“Because it’s a cul-de-sac we’d go out and ride bikes or skateboards or play tennis and cricket on the road with our friends. We kids would head out on missions exploring the neighbourhood.
“Our big backyard was great; we’d set up the zoom slide and slide along it with water and lots of Sunlight dishwashing liquid. Dad would come home from his dental practice in Papatoetoe and we’d all go ‘Daddy’s home!’ and run out to meet him.
“For years he had this brown Datson 240C which just kept on going, with one of those bead car seat covers which one of his patients had given him. Making lots of money from dentistry wasn’t his priority; he loved the work and loved his patients in South Auckland, retiring when he was 76.”
The house was smaller initially but the Peglers had an architect design an extension implemented in the early 1970s, with few notable changes since then. Its residential single house zoning doesn’t allow subdivision but the existing 193sqm bungalow is ripe for renovation or replacement with a new home.
The home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a 2021 RV of $3.1m. Photo / Supplied
The well-ventilated kitchen is at the rear of the house. Photo / Supplied
Remuera Road is 700 metres’ walk away, with the option of taking the Entrican Lane walkway. Zoning includes Remuera Primary, Remuera Intermediate, Auckland Boys and Epsom Girls grammar schools.
On the weatherboard home’s western side, a front living room with a bay window opens to a formal dining room and the kitchen at rear. Four bedrooms include the ensuited master and two which open into a sunroom.
A family bathroom, w.c. and laundry complete the layout, accompanied by a double carport and workshop-shed.
The home has been hung with lots of art, aided by Ben’s sister Johanna Pegler being an artist. It is rich with memories, including Kerry’s devotion to collecting model fire engines and encouraging the kids to brush their teeth well and Annette’s passion for reading, gardening and art.
Annette passed away six years ago and 85-year-old Kerry, a past president of the NZ Dental Association who is now a great grandfather, is moving into a retirement home.
Ray White agent Steve Koerber says: “This is a rare opportunity to secure a substantial, level land holding in a highly sought after location.”
- Sponsored by Ray White
- 21 Rangitoto Avenue in Remuera, Auckland, goes to auction on November 15
