When the current owners purchased this character-filled Californian bungalow in 2007, it marked the end of a long and determined search.
They had been looking for the perfect place to raise their four young boys – somewhere sunny and peaceful, and close to the highly sought-after Maungawhau Primary School. They found it here: a home with soul, tucked into a quiet street in the heart of Mount Eden.
But what made the home truly special wasn’t just the house itself – it was the lifestyle. A place where children could roam freely between neighbouring properties and an old-fashioned sense of community still thrived. The family quickly realised how rare and irreplaceable that environment truly is.
As the children got older, and the family began to outgrow the house, they looked tirelessly for a house to suit the next era, visiting countless open homes.
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However, none matched theirs with its sun from early morning till dusk, its elevation and neighbourhood charm. In 2018, they embarked on a comprehensive renovation – an 18-month labour of love, designed to restore the home’s original character whilst creating the space they needed, as well as a warm, light-filled environment for contemporary living.
At the heart of the home lies a spectacular open-plan kitchen, dining and living area – a space designed for connection, celebration and everyday family life.
Oversized stacking doors span the rear of the home, opening onto a deep, north-facing covered deck complete with its own skylights, allowing sunshine to pour into the house all year round. Whether entertaining 50 guests or enjoying quiet evenings as a family, this is a home that adapts effortlessly.
“The whole of the back of the house now opens up, so we could go about our day-to-day living but still see the kids in the pool and playing in the yard,” say the homeowners. “Plus, we get a lovely breeze through when it’s hot outside.”
The spacious chef’s kitchen is both elegant and practical, featuring dual steam and pyrolytic ovens, as well as a generous scullery.
As part of the renovation, the entire house was refreshed with bespoke European timber joinery, incorporating decorative fanlight art-glass. Imported bronze hardware adds a subtle, timeless finish that speaks to the care and attention given to every detail.
The spacious chef’s kitchen is both elegant and practical, featuring dual steam and pyrolytic ovens, as well as a generous scullery. Photo / Supplied
Having subdivided the large site early on, the vendors are selling 59 and 59A Peary Road as one package. Photo / Supplied
The outdoor spaces have been crafted to make the most of New Zealand’s cherished indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The volcanic rock of Mount Eden was bravely excavated to create a stunning heated swimming pool, complete with FastLane swim jets — perfect for both play and fitness (even entertaining a kayak on one occasion). The pool heating was designed to enable an extended season for swimming, and the nearby cedar tub — which seats a small football team — is a year-round favourite.
Surrounded by established planting, the garden is both sheltered and private. The elevated position ensures sunlight throughout the day, and the seamless connection to the interior creates a home that feels as expansive as it is inviting.
“The garden is like a sanctuary because it’s sheltered from the wind with its rock walls, it’s very well established with jasmine vines, a kowhai for the tuis and citrus trees”, say the owners.
Now spanning about 400sqm over two levels, the home offers five spacious bedrooms, three fully tiled bathrooms, a formal lounge, and an air-conditioned loft space set up for gaming (and its own video intercom to the kitchen below).
The downstairs is currently configured as two bedrooms, but is readily converted into a semi-self contained space, transforming it into a bedroom with adjoining lounge – ideal for an au pair, guests or extended family. The separate study downstairs has the ability to be adapted into a kitchenette should it be required.
Thought has been given to all seasons with well-placed skylights for natural light and ventilation, as well as underfloor heating, radiators, a gas fire and ducted heat pumps for all-season comfort. The house is so well insulated now, the owners explain that only a modest amount of heating is required in the winter months.
The house enjoys seamless indoor-outdoor flow to north-facing decks that the vendors have come to cherish. Photo / Supplied
Post-renovation, the house now boasts five bedrooms and three fully tiled bathrooms, set over 400sqm on two levels. Photo / Supplied
Extensive storage has also been created, with a vast attic storage area in the roof, a walk-in cupboard under the stairs, and spaces under the house. A large laundry accommodates multiple appliances, and is adjacent to an enormous linen cupboard.
“There is also two-car garaging with space for gym gear, as well as Wi-Fi and TV connections,” say the owners.
Located in one of Auckland’s most beloved city-fringe suburbs, the property is within easy reach of Dominion and Mount Eden Roads. Also nearby are Centennial Park, Big King Reserve, and village cafés. It’s zoned for Maungawhau Primary and Mount Albert Grammar but is close to bus routes for private schools.
With their children now flying the nest, the owners Craig and Maria have found themselves thinking about new opportunities, so they’re heading for a lock-up-and-leave property and a new kind of lifestyle.
Having subdivided the large site early on, the family are selling 59 and 59A Peary Road as one package. They’ve used the front as extra lawn for their sons to play on, but it also offers potential for building a new dwelling.
Robyn Ellson, salesperson at Ray White, describes everything about the property as truly fabulous. She believes the family have done a remarkable job in creating the ultimate family home.
“They’ve put a huge amount of love, care and thought into every aspect and there’s no doubt that it will create a lot of interest among local buyers.”
- 59 and 59A Peary Road in Mount Eden, Auckland, is for sale by tender, closing November 18
