Tucked away behind electric security gates in classic Fairview Avenue, Lisa and Geoff’s 1970s home has suited them and their children so well, they’ve remained in residence for 17 years.
“We were what I call ‘serial movers’ before this and never stayed long in any of our properties but we could see how versatile this one was and it turns out we were right,” she says.
Shortly after moving in at 16A Fairview Road, Mount Eden, they undertook the first renovation, updating the kitchen but cleverly retaining the 1970s vibe with soaring ceilings, distinct zones for living and dining and a general sense of space.
“I’ve always been a fan of that era and I liked that this was nothing like the classic Mount Eden villa,” Lisa says.
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As their family grew, and needs changed, so did the house and around seven years ago they renovated again – ending up with four bedrooms, and an enormous room that can be used as a rumpus, gym, office, playroom or a blend of all of these, in a sun-drenched, corner, close to the pool.
There’s also three bathrooms and three garages.
“Our third child is quite a bit younger than her siblings, so we have her upstairs with us, while our other two were teens, so they really loved having their own wing of the house, complete with a bathroom,” says Lisa.
Upstairs, as well, is the master suite with its attractive modern bathroom and Lisa’s pride and joy: an enormous dressing room. “A normal wardrobe wasn’t going to be enough for me!” she says.
Having achieved all they needed for their family, including a gorgeous cosy media room, with stunning 1970s style wallpaper, Lisa and Geoff began getting faintly itchy feet. “I wanted to do it all again, but I didn’t want to leave this street.”
Geoff solved that problem when he noticed their next-door neighbour preparing her home for sale. “He went over, had a chat with her and the next thing we knew, it was ours!”
She jokes that the new owners of 16A Fairview Road are guaranteed nice neighbours and adds that she can’t imagine a better location.
“It’s just a short walk to Mount Eden village and our dogs love trekking up the mountain. We’re close to public transport and the new 277 at Broadway is just a few minutes’ drive away.” In addition to being double grammar, the house is also zoned for Mount Albert Grammar, along with Maungawhau Primary and ANI.
“Fairview Road is one of just a handful of streets that are ‘triple grammar’,” says Ketiesha Elliott of Barfoot & Thompson, Mount Eden, who is marketing the property along with Frank Excell. “It’s also very conveniently located for many of Auckland’s best private schools.”
The property goes to auction on May 26.
