Takapuna: Year-round holiday mode

Enjoy a stroll to the beach, a dip in the pool or a soak in the spa. This gracious character-filled old girl dating back to the 1930s knows what living is all about. By VICKI HOLDER.


Just minutes from Takapuna and Milford shops and in one of Auckland's favourite seaside addresses, this timeless home was inspired by famous 1930s English architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.

In double brick, it's a gracious picture of a bygone era surrounded by a big garden full of pretty roses in manicured box hedging. Offering shade and privacy, the majestic copper beech in front is one of the oldest of its kind in the area.

During their 25-year stewardship, the owners have carefully nurtured the quaint English flavour, while incorporating changes that better equip the property for a family of today.

The new double garaging reflects the same traditional proportions as the steep Marseilles-tile clad roof of the main house. Not only does the pitch complement the house aesthetically, it makes room for a studio/loft above, which the children quickly claimed as a sleep-out for when friends stayed over. Now that they've left home, it provides the kind of storage many people can only dream about.

Behind the garage, a room opens through french doors to a swimming pool and spa, which is used all year round. Designed for outdoor entertaining with an adjoining bathroom, this sunny area would work equally well as a separate office.

Inside the house, the spacious, north-facing family living area is light and airy, especially when the multi-paned french doors and bifold windows are open in summer. Once a series of poorly lit little rooms, it has been opened up and pushed out for an easy flow to the terrace that overlooks the expansive, level lawn. Rich, original matai floors glow as the sun pours inside.

A few years ago a new kitchen was installed with granite benchtops, taupe cabinetry and modern appliances, including the Gaggenau hob and oven. In a conveniently compact design, the laundry was built in neatly behind bifold doors on the flip side of the kitchen, along a passage to the back door. Off that same passage a pristine, modern, white guest bathroom has floor-to-ceiling tiles for easy cleaning.

Opening from the family living area, the separate formal dining room reaches through more french doors to a big, elegant formal lounge. It might seem original, but the broad bay window was added for space and light. The gas fire is another modern addition, providing a cosy ambience to top up the gas heating in winter, although the owner assures this home is particularly warm due to its solid construction.

Who would guess that the large entry foyer, adorned with pretty leadlights, was not totally original? Some oddly positioned walls had to disappear to gain the inviting character that visitors step into today.

The three bedrooms upstairs are large with spacious wardrobes and storage. All bathe in sunlight and overlook different aspects of the generous garden. The large master bedroom opens to a tiled balcony enjoying views to the beach and the Hauraki Gulf. The large walk-in dressing room - with a drop-down ironing board - and compact en suite with white plantation shutters at the windows make it a luxurious sanctuary. Laid in tiles with a bath and glass-fronted shower - plus the European essential, a bidet - the main bathroom is well appointed.

Fully fenced and with electronic gates, this character-filled property is in a beautiful tree-lined cul-de-sac, where the relaxed mood puts you in year-round holiday mode. Here you can throw on your swimsuit, toss a towel over your back and walk to the beach without setting foot in the car.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 8 O'Neills Ave, Takapuna.

FEATURES: 1930s English-style home on large, level landscaped garden; close to beaches and shops; three bedrooms - master with dressing room and en suite; loft/studio; pool room or office with bathroom; three bathrooms in main house; swimming pool; spa; double garage; double brick construction with copper spouting.

SIZE: Land area 911sq m.

AUCTION: 12.30pm, March 16, on site.

AGENT: Winston Kidd, Harcourts, Milford. Ph 486 1029 bus; 021 970 444 mob.