Digby Draper has been enchanted by 50 Owens Road since he was a young boy, when he regularly visited family friends who lived next door.
“I used to stand on the driveway and look the house and loved everything about it — I wished the owners would invite me in to have a look around,” he laughs.
The elegant, Regency-style residence is rich with period detailing and is enveloped within over half an acre (2196sqm) of park-like grounds.
His full circle moment occurred many years later, when he’d grown up and was searching for a large, level section in the neighbourhood. The property he’d long admired was available for sale for the first time in 40 years.
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“The real estate ad called it ‘Epsom’s best kept secret’,” he recalls.
After visiting two consecutive weeks of open homes and thinking about the property constantly, he knew to make it work.
“It was the land I fell in love with. The auction was in the garden — it was a tennis court up until 1970. I bid and bid and got it, it was meant to be.”
That was 10 years ago and Draper has loved every moment of living here since.
“Upstairs has a view of three mountains, Mount Eden, Mount Hobson and One Tree Hill, it’s beautiful. I’ve planted hedges over the years and created a green haven — it’s got great privacy and is my sanctuary in the middle of the city.”
The elegant, Regency-style residence is rich with period detailing. Photo / Supplied
The home, which dates back to the 1920s, has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and garaging, and sits on 2195sqm of land. Photo / Supplied
The home was originally crafted around 100 years ago and is believed to have been designed and built by architect Joseph Osbourne Owen for his own family back in the 1920s.
“The first night I slept here I had a real sense of space around me and I’ve many happy memories here with friends and family staying over the years, it’s been a wonderful home.”
The ground floor’s formal lounge flows into the adjoining family room, as does the formal dining room. The sunny kitchen is the social hub overlooking the garden. Also on this level are a double bedroom and full bathroom with laundry incorporated.
A sweeping staircase arrives upstairs, where three bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom.
“After Covid I did what I call a ‘cosmetic makeover’, but made sure to retain the character — it now has new bathrooms, carpet and lighting.”
Owens Road is incredibly well-connected, close to Newmarket and Remuera and in the coveted double-grammar zone. Draper points out that land of this size is an incredibly rare commodity in the area.
“It’s unique and hard to come by — a lot of quarter acres have been subdivided and to get a half-acre, you’re generally looking for a long time to find it.”
The sunny kitchen and informal dining area is the social hub overlooking the garden. Photo / Supplied
The formal dining room is a perfect blend of period features and modern decor. Photo / Supplied
Draper isn’t the only one who has relished his time here.
“About two years ago I got a black lab, Luke, and he loves it, he’s got lots of space to run around.”
After a decade, it’s now time to move on from the tightly held enclave. “It’s time for something fresh and new in my life. The neighbours who were family friends owned their house for 50 years and this family owned it for 40,” he says. “People love it here.”
Dermot Kelly, from Barfoot & Thompson, says this legacy property is one of the few remaining premium sites in Epsom.
“Over 2000 square metres of dead flat land tucked away in a really nice enclave of surrounding homes — it’s like a hidden treasure, in a beautiful position with great sun. It’s special and the integrity of the site is protected for potential buyers,” he explains.
“It’s currently zoned Single House and zoned Mixed Urban under Proposed Plan 78. It’s a rare land bank and rare opportunity — you know it’s something that’s going to hold itself for years to come.”
50 Owens Road in Epsom, Auckland, is on the market for sale by tender, closing July 3.
- Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson
