SCHOOL ZONES:
Bayfield, Ponsonby Intermediate, Western Springs, Auckland Girls’.
CONTACT:
Suzie Paine, Bayleys, 021 976 008; Simon Smith 027 492 1698.
AUCTION:
July 1.
Andrea and Al Munro must be smiling at the news that the average price of a home in their suburb has cracked the $2 million barrier, according to CoreLogic. When they bought their 1930s bungalow in 1990, for a fraction of that price, Herne Bay was not the priciest suburbby any means.
"We never thought we'd be here for 25 years," says Andrea. "We were still single, and it worked for us because we were both working in Queen St and it was so nice, central and close. But we got married, we've had two kids, we're still here."
The kids, Tom, 18, and George, 20, are taking advantage of that self-same convenience to their study at AUT that attracted their parents. Their community was handy, too. Bayfield school is three blocks away, the intermediate at the other end of Jervois Rd and many school mates went on to Western Springs College.
"The bones and footprint of the house haven't changed. We were lucky that beams and panelling and windows were all in such great condition," says Al. "We've worked on the house over a couple of bursts, especially downstairs, which was office and utility. It's now one of the warmest, loveliest rooms."
The original single-level house boasted pretty arched windows, but the view is the winner. The house is down a long driveway at the end of the Jervois Rd cul de sac, so it hovers over close-up views of Coxs Bay and the upper harbour. Modern townhouses were built on one side of the house, and a third townhouse is being built in front, but covenants have ensured the new build will not change the view.
The family could walk down the steps to the boat houses on West End Rd and cross to Coxs Bay Park, with its playing fields and boardwalks that connect to Grey Lynn Park. Who needed vast lawns, when so many parks and beaches were on their doorstep?
The house is on a compact site, with main living on the original ground floor and later alterations adding a lower and an upper floor, done before the Munros moved in. Handily, it already had a swimming pool so they added a large deck, glass balustrades and modern landscaping around it.
Image 1 of 7: Parks and beaches are a stroll from prettily updated 1930s bungalow with harbour views
Inside, they removed walls between the old kitchen and back porch, opening it up to the former dining room and adding bifold doors. Five years ago they updated to beige and brushed steel cabinetry by Elite Kitchens (plus Bosch and DeLonghi appliances), freshening paintwork and adding floor-to-ceiling library storage. This sunny space is now a family hub with a breakfast table, couches and views across that water.
Next door is the formal living room with a wall of original bifold windows. Original beams and fireplace are still there, only the doors have been changed. This main floor houses the master bedroom, looking to the sea. Several owners ago, a bedroom was changed into a stairway to the top-floor bedrooms, with room for a guest loo and storage.
The boys have the upper floor, with two generous double bedrooms and a bathroom. Their views are even better than from their parents' bedroom.
On the ground floor, the Munros have done another makeover to create a guest room with French doors to a sunny courtyard. Another room is now an office, and the laundry was extended into a shower room with separate toilet.
But the family has decided it is time to try a new way of living and are now thinking of something more suitable -- such as a lock up and leave.
