Meadowbank: Cotswold comfort

It's time to move on for a sprightly pensioner after almost 60 years on the same property, writes Graham Hepburn.

3a Worcester Rd, Meadowbank.

When Joan and Derek Simpson decided to move out of their family home to something more manageable about 11 years ago, they didn't have far to go. In fact, it was a matter of a few metres.

They had subdivided their section at 3 Worcester Road and then built a house to the rear of their original home "to suit an elderly couple", says Joan, who is now in her 80s.

"It was so easy to move because all the family came to help and they simply picked up a piece of furniture and moved it out the back door of the other house and in through the front door of this one."

The Simpsons moved into Worcester Road in 1948, having married after Derek returned from World War II. He had served in North Africa and Italy from 1941-45, and received the Worcester Road section in a ballot for returned servicemen.

"We built the house in front and this was a full section, just under a quarter of an acre, as they were in those days," says Joan.

She says the area was far from suburban when they set up home.

"There were a couple of houses around here back then, and two houses away from where we are now was a farm gate. There were paddocks with cattle, and mushrooms," recalls Joan gleefully.

Joan says she left their original home, where her son and daughter were born and raised, with few regrets.

"When you're a young mum you work hard, so when you move on to a new home it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labour."

The Simpsons had an architect design their new home and wanted a "Cotswold cottage look" because they liked the quaint style, and they had grandfathers who came from England.

Joan says they planned the home for the display of their many paintings. They added touches such as leaded windows in the upstairs bathroom which provided privacy, but also allowed them to look out on St John's Bush next door.

Downstairs, between the kitchen and living room, is Joan's "breakfast room" with a small balcony outside it - a look she saw in an English house and garden magazine and asked the architect to include.

The upstairs features another large living room, and a pair of dormer windows facing the street. Each of the dormer windows has a sunny little window seat.

Joan says the house has potential to be reconfigured by a new owner. The upstairs lounge could become a third bedroom and the living areas downstairs could be opened up, especially the kitchen.

"I know the fashion nowadays is to have everything on display when you're cooking but little old ladies like myself like to be in the kitchen by themselves," she says.

Joan and Derek had planned to sell up and settle into a retirement village together but Derek died in February. Joan says she will be making the move to a retirement home in Remuera, where she is looking forward to "some beautiful walks around the streets".

"My husband and I made up our minds to move together before he died, so it won't be sad to leave here. It's too much for me on my own."

Vital Statistics

BEDROOMS: 2

BATHROOMS: 2

GARAGE: 2

SIZE: Land 430sq m (subdivided title), house 187sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: CV $465,000 (2002). Auction October 19.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 2-3pm.

CONTACT: Ali Allen, Bayleys St Heliers, ph 021 616 777 mob, 528 8282 a/h.

FEATURES: Charming cottage-style brick home adjoining a bush reserve. Located in a desirable and established part of Meadowbank.