SCHOOL ZONES:
Birkenhead Primary, Northcote College.
CONTACT:
Jason Gaddes, Bayleys, 021 994 921.
AUCTION:
April 21.
The former show home that Joy Lucas and husband David have maintained to perfection will be hard to leave behind, but Tauranga is calling.
"It was a 'spec' house and, in fact, for a while it was even a show home," says Joy. "The street was filling in fast and this place looked especially appealing."
Though the upper level of the property was complete, the lower level became handyman David's challenge - one that would take a few years to complete, but he's done a perfect job in that time.
"I like to test myself," he says. "And now I'm convinced that this house is as good as it can possibly be."
The section is well-developed, its attractive garden spread around a number of levels, each with its own personality.
"David built the gazebo and all the decking," says Joy. "But it's really very pretty and private now, and I've done all the gardening."
Inside, the house meanders over two levels, and has plenty of surprises along the way.
The ground floor features a large recreation room. It's currently a living area, with storage and many other features, including a double garage/workshop, a hobby space and, most intriguingly, a hair salon, where well-established stylist, Joy, still services a regular clientele.
"I only keep on a handful of old clients who I know well these days, but it's just lovely keeping my hand in, and this is a good little space," she says.
Image 1 of 6: Looking at the results of attention to detail and a job well done. Photos / Ted Baghurst
While Joy is busy, David always likes to have a project on the go and has recently resprayed the front door, now shiny and resplendent in its charcoal-coloured finish.
"These are the small issues that I like to keep on top of," he says. "I'm a details man."
Up the main stairs, Joy and David's main living level is peaceful and relaxed, its soft green colour scheme dominating the major living area.
The kitchen was redesigned and rebuilt around 10 years ago and is so neat and classic, it looks set to be smart and contemporary for many years to come.
A wood fire heats the living room in winter - but the couple say they find they don't need it very often. "It's a real sun trap up here," says Joy.
There are three bedrooms on this level and a lovely new en suite off the master bedroom.
The camaraderie in Porritt Ave is something that cannot be beaten. In fact it was only recently that their neighbours of 36 years sold up and moved away.
"We've had so many lovely friends over the years here," Joy and David say.
Other activities and amenities in the neighbourhood include bush walks, a swimming pool, pleasant little beaches and the Chelsea Sugar Park.
"The kids used to get up to mischief and they'd often arrive home so coated in mud we'd have to hose them down."
Joy and David had envisaged themselves living for quite some time yet at Porritt Ave, but a new opportunity has suddenly turned up.
"We heard Tauranga calling our name and sure enough there was a perfect property, just outside town. We were supposed to be downsizing but actually, this section is bigger."
"I'm completing and tidying every last little thing here," David says, looking around with satisfaction. "The place is practically perfect, now."
