SCHOOL ZONES:
Takapuna Grammar, Belmont Intermediate.
CONTACT:
Prue de Bie, ph 021 521 242.
For former corporate high-fliers Jacqui Dillon, and her partner Jude Mannion, the long-established Auckland seaside suburb of Devonport proved to be the ideal place for changing down a gear, or two. Nowadays both work for not-for-profit health and community organisations and they are bringing their son, Joseph (6), up inthe sort of laidback, beachy environment many Kiwi families can only dream of.
In less than four years they've turned a humble 1960s weatherboard bach-like house on an enormous 1163sq m sloping section into an enchanting Balinese-inspired oasis. The air is alive with birdsong, water laps lazily at the bottom of the garden and kayaks lie, ready for action, while the sun beats down on a picturesque back deck that has seen its fair share of family fun and celebrations.
"It's a piece of Piha in the city," declares Jacqui, looking around fondly.
The scratches on Jacqui's arms and hands are testament to her gardening skills. It is she who is responsible for the impressive stand of banana palms, which are still fruiting long after summer's end. Exotic plants such as bromeliads and bird of paradise are complemented by practical raised vegetable beds and fruit trees, some as old as the property itself.
Jacqui and Jude have deliberately not gutted and modernised the house, preferring to restore and preserve the distinctive character features in keeping with its age and style.
It's a decision that has served them well, as personality is evident at every turn -- from the sunny and surprisingly spacious bedrooms, the beautiful, bright bathroom, where a contemporary shower and toilet sit alongside the original Shanks pedestal basin, to the kitchen with its rimu cupboards and benchtops, flanked by a spacious dining space and French doors to the deck.
The floors are rimu, too, and Jacqui points out the interesting half-round fireplace in the living room, declaring it to be one of her favourite features.
"I've always really loved the shape of it, and it puts out good warmth, too. We do have gas heating but the fire is often all we need in winter."
While the house has suited a family of three well, Jacqui and Jude had always considered extending it and there is plenty of scope to do so at the rear.
In addition, there is a sizeable basement with potential to be converted and incorporated with the house above. At present it houses the laundry, with original tubs and a tiled shower.
"I can tell you it's a godsend when Joseph comes rushing up from the water with sandy feet," she laughs.
Jacqui, Jude and Joseph are off to try out apartment life in the restored Devonport Power Station building, a little closer to the centre of town. They will miss their current home, with its friendly local community, the neighbourhood Christmas parties and the bonfires they've enjoyed on the beach with friends, while fireworks dance in the sky above the harbour.
"We've really loved it here," says Jacqui, her mixed emotions evident. "It's very special indeed."
