Mt Eden - Game on

The drama surrounding the Springbok tour of 1981 didn't stop this couple buying a home within throwing distance of Eden Park.

15 Tongariro Street, Mt Eden.

When Patrick Smith and Virginia Williams signed up to buy a rundown villa near Eden Park in 1981, the Springbok tour was raging.

Given the confrontations in the area, especially for the third test, they were worried whether the house would still be standing by settlement date.

``We had a few anxious moments, particularly during the third test, where we could see Marx Jones' plane circling over the park dropping the flour bombs,'' says Patrick.

``It was our first house. We liked it the minute we saw it. It was painted a sort of drab olive green, but it had a good feel. It had been in two flats, so it was a bit strange inside, but the garden felt nice, and it was a good street.

``Just driving down Royal Terrace from Sandringham Road, we thought, `This is nice'.''

In a quirk of street design, Royal becomes Tongariro and then stops at Marlborough Street, rather than going all the way through to Dominion Road. That means there is little through traffic, and residents-only parking means there is little disruption on game days.

``We do go to the park, especially for the cricket. We can just pop home for dinner and then go back again,'' says Patrick.

As well as once being two flats, the house had the unsuitable kitchens and bathrooms common among those of its vintage.

The pair put in a larger kitchen, which lasted them 20 years. As their children became teenagers and space became an issue, they rebuilt again in 2001.

The rear of the house was pushed out to create a larger kitchen and dining area, and a long wing added containing a master bedroom with en suite bathroom, office with storage areas, laundry and extra toilet.

``It was designed so it could be separated off into a granny flat, if needed,'' says Patrick.

The wing allowed them to build a wide deck and a sheltered paved patio, creating a large usable outside space while still preserving lawn and trees, including two plums, an olive tree, avocado, feijoa, Tahitian lime and apple.

The three bedrooms in the front of the house retain the villa feel. There is a working fireplace in one front room, and the other has French doors opening onto the verandah.

The living room with cosy fireplace is now in the centre of the house.

``It's been a lovely home. When we looked at moving, because we needed more space, we could never find a place we like as much, so we stayed,'' says Virginia. ``It's been a great place to bring up children.''

With the children now old enough to leave home, Patrick and Virginia are moving to the South Island.
``We're very sad to leave.''

VITAL STATISTICS

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 2

GARAGES: 1

SIZE: Land 607sq m, house 220sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: CV (2005) $750,000. Auction November 1.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun/Wed 2.15-3pm.

CONTACT: Robyn Preece, Barfoot & Thompson, ph 638 9158, 021 936 080.

ON THE WEB: www.barfoot.co.nz #349770

FEATURES: Renovated and extended villa. Two studies. Close to Eden Park, Dominion Road and St Lukes shops, and 10 minutes from CBD. In zone for Mt Eden Normal Primary, Kowhai Intermediate and Mt Albert Grammar.