Built in the 1940s and tastefully updated by subsequent owners, Dave and Bec’s five-bedroom mid-century-style abode, on a secluded 767sqm site in quiet, leafy Mahoe Avenue, has proved to be a perfect family home for the couple and their now grown-up children.
“We bought it in 2013,” says Dave. “And although it was in great order, we did make a few changes ourselves along the way.”
The couple started by swapping the existing wood fireplace for a gas one and in the course of that project, they took down the chimney on the pool side of the house.
“Then we decided to put up vertical cedar cladding, in black, plus a long-run roof and external guttering. Having been quite plain before, the exterior really stands out now,” says Dave.
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High ceilings emphasize the generous amount of space on offer in the interior’s expansive, well-equipped kitchen and open-plan dining, and living zones, plus a downstairs bedroom, which all enjoy excellent indoor-outdoor flow.
The décor throughout is crisp and uncomplicated, and Dave and Bec have recently had the interior repainted classic white, which serves as the ideal backdrop for any style of furniture or artwork. Extensive built-in shelving is another striking design feature.
Upstairs a further three bedrooms share the main bathroom while the master bedroom has an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, plus access to a private balcony.
The décor throughout is crisp and uncomplicated, and the interior repainted classic white serving as the ideal backdrop for any style of furniture or artwork. Photo / Supplied
The 350sqm home has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and garaging for two vehicles, and sits on a compact 767sqm section. Photo / Supplied
As a self-confessed fan of tinkering, Dave has made full use of the large ground-floor workshop area, which is adjacent to the internally accessed double garage as well as to the rumpus room – an ideal space for teenagers to let off steam without disturbing the rest of the household.
The pool outside has been resurfaced and while it isn’t heated, because it’s a true suntrap, it stays wonderfully warm throughout summer.
Dave says that the home’s history really came alive in a special way when he and Bec were visited once by a family member of previous owners, who showed them photos of the house in its early days and gave them a lovely painting, depicting it as it looked in the 1980s.
“And now it’s time for it to go to the next family, who can make use of all the space and enjoys happy times relaxing or entertaining outside on the sheltered patios, or splashing in the pool, just like we did.”
Extensive built-in shelving is another striking design feature of the 1940s house. Photo / Supplied
High ceilings emphasize the generous amount of space on offer in the interior’s expansive, well-equipped kitchen and open-plan dining, and living zones. Photo / Supplied
He says that he and Bec will miss the friendly local neighbourhood where shops and cafes are in plentiful supply and access to the Orakei Basin is close by.
“It’s also a relaxed commute to the CBD. I’ve even walked it a few times, or you can catch the bus. Plus, it’s just one stop by train to Britomart,” says Dave.
Steve Koerber, of Bayleys, says that the house is situated in a peaceful location. “It was built quite a bit later than many other homes in the street and its stylish 1940s features make it stand out.”
He says the high ceilings, polished timber floors, and large windows all contribute to the overall charm – and its an easy walk to Victoria Avenue Primary – as well as being zoned for double grammar.
- 30 Mahoe Avenue in Remuera, Auckland, is heading to auction on May 21
