Birkenhead - Strawberry fields

A family-sized bungalow has moved with the times but still retained plenty of its original character.

9 Waipa Street, Birkenhead.

Houses now cover the uppermost slopes of Birkenhead, but when this renovated bungalow was built early last century it was surrounded by fields of delicious strawberries.

In fact, the original occupants of the house were strawberry farmers, says current owner Belle Hopwood.

The bungalow was later moved to one side of the site to make way for a new house but the two enormous Phoenix palm trees that once marked the driveway can be seen through the kitchen window, a constant reminder of its early beginnings.

Belle likes houses with a bit of history. As she walks around this one she proudly points out the original stained glass windows, beamed ceilings, window seat, brass door handles and polished timber floors that give the home its unique character.

``All our friends love this house,'' she says. ``They say it has a warm, comfortable feeling.''

It's not just the architecture that puts people at so much at ease in the bungalow - attractive colours complement its fine features.

The palette is based mainly on blues - pale sky blue on the exterior weatherboards, air-force blue in the kitchen and darker blues on the striped wallpaper in the hallway.

A warm cinnamon red in the living room and lavender hues in the master bedroom, create a rich contrast.

Belle and her family have lived in the house for three years but need more space so are moving on. Not that the house is small - it has three good-sized bedrooms, a family room (currently a pool room) and a living room.

However, Belle's partner is a keen pool player and needs a ``boys' room'' with a bar, she laughs.

Generally though, it's a great home for entertaining. The family likes to have friends around in summer to sit outdoors in the recently built courtyard and on the verandahs that run along three sides of the house.

Belle designed the sheltered courtyard at the rear of the house. Paved in stencilled concrete, it is connected to the kitchen verandah via a stepped deck.

Planting includes pukas, palms, grasses and flowering perennials that will soften the baby Zincalume fence. A trickling water feature adds to the ambience.

``It's a really relaxing space,'' says Belle. ``I love to come home after a long day at work and sit out here.''

For large gatherings the living spaces can be opened up to the kitchen and the garden, creating one large space. But when a separate quiet area is required, doors between the sitting and family room can be closed.

The master bedroom is another chill-out space for Belle and her cat Whisky. It has a comfy window seat and afternoon sun pouring through rose coloured leadlights.

``I'm sad to leave,'' she admits. ``It's my first house, and it has so much character.''

VITAL STATISTICS

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 3

GARAGES: *

SIZE: Land share 1587sq m, house 180sq m (approx).

PRICE INDICATION: $495,000.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1-1.45pm.

ON THE WEB: www.prestigerealty.co.nz #2683

CONTACT: Peter Doughty, Prestige Real Estate, ph 489 2699 bus, 0275 745 930, 480 4688 a/h.

FEATURES: Original circa 1920s bungalow with polished timber floors, beamed ceilings and bay windows. Ventilation system. Private, sunny courtyard. In zone for Birkenhead Primary School and Northcote College.

*No garage but off-street parking for 3 cars.