99 Western Springs Rd, Western Springs. Photo / Supplied
Bridget Jakicevich took a bit of convincing when her husband Joe suggested looking at a house for sale in Western Springs. Firmly ensconced in Parnell, she couldn't imagine living in a different part of the city.
But the couple needed a bigger home for their Brady Bunch blended family of five children, and with nine bedrooms, the villa for sale in Western Springs Rd more than fit the bill.
"So I agreed to have a look and I saw the house and, well, it's just such a wonderful place, how could you not fall in love?"
The house, which was being used as an upmarket B&B when Joe and Bridget bought it, is also one of Auckland's oldest homes, dating back to 1878.
It was built for businessman William Motion, who owned Western Springs Park before selling it to the city so Aucklanders could use the water from the springs.
A grand home befitting Motion's status, it sits in an elevated position on a ridge looking out over the city. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, it features a sweeping set of stairs up to the front door.
Bridget has copies of old photos dating back more than 100 years of people sitting on those steps, which have gone on to be the location of many special moments for her family.
Her daughter Isabella's pre-ball photos were taken there and a marriage blessing was held on the steps for her and Joe.
"This is a house full of many stories," says Bridget. "We feel like we are wrapped in history, living here."
But although it may be a stunning heritage homestead with beautifully preserved period features, such as its six original fireplaces, it is also a comfortable and relaxing family home.
In the years that they've lived there, Bridget and Joe have tastefully updated it but not done anything radical in the way of renovations.
"It was quite dark so the main thing we have done is let in the light. We could have gone really modern and ripped out lots of the old stuff but we decided we want to remain in keeping with the style of the house. Because it's a bit of a landmark, we felt it was important to look after her."
The house had undergone an extensive makeover in the late 1980s thanks to previous owners businessman Ray Mills and his wife Lucy.
One of the major jobs they tackled was turning a garage into a three-level guest house.
It now has five hotel-standard bedrooms, four bedrooms (including two en suites) and an office, and was nicknamed "the Frat House" by the Jakicevichs when Joe's two oldest sons and two nephews lived there.
Now one of the bedrooms is used as a gym and another is popular with teenagers Isabella, Sam and Sophie for sleepovers or watching movies.
The lower level of the guesthouse is devoted to a large private bar and pool room kitted out like a gentleman's club. Joe's in the hospitality business, so the bar has been ideal for hosting clients as well as a great party venue for friends.
It opens up to the heated swimming and spa pool, which are overlooked by a gazebo.
The main house has three bedrooms on the upper level, all with their en suites and french doors to the wrap-around veranda.
The master bedroom has a lounge and views to the Sky Tower.
There's a fourth bedroom on the lower level, which has a partial en suite. The main living areas are on this floor, with a living room, kitchen and a huge, gracious dining room that opens out to a covered courtyard that's great for entertaining.
Not only has the house been wonderful to live in, but despite Bridget's initial misgivings, the location has proved ideal.
"There's Fowld's Park across the road, it's 900m to the railway station at Morningside, it's a 10-minute walk to Kingsland and 12 to Eden Park, and the motorway is two minutes away," she says. "It's such a great spot, we've felt so very lucky to have lived here."
But they've recently bought a beach property and are looking for a smaller city home, so the time has come to hand over the custodianship of the house to another family.