SCHOOL ZONES:
Northcote, Birkenhead School, Northcote College.
CONTACT:
Jordan Selwyn, 027 671 5882, or Mark Robinson, 021 627 522, Harcourts.
AUCTION:
Nov 8 (unless sold prior).
*Plus off-street
A little sign in the front garden of the Walker family's bungalow labelling it "The Nest" in Italian doesn't prepare you for the fact it's a larger than expected nest.
That's what visitors routinely say when they go inside the home to find four bedrooms and two living areas.
Andthe bungalow is enveloped in warmth and privacy thanks to its position above the road.
The "Il Nido" sign is all about history, starting with Lynetta Walker's heritage as an Italian-Australian who married Kiwi Trevor.
Lynetta says when they moved here 17 years ago, lower branches of a big Malaysian pine out front used to extend far and low, making her feel like she was at nest level in the bungalow.
The "Il Nido" name stuck, despite changes to tree protection rules that have meant they've been able to sensitively trim the pine, opening up the grounds.
The couple are big fans of the area but didn't anticipate staying so long. Their first property purchase together was nearby with a small house they've always anticipated replacing with a new build.
"Coming here was our five-year plan," says Lynetta.
"But we renovated this bungalow and it has worked so well for our family we've only recently got onto building at our other place."
Their family consists of sons Daniel (19) and Jackson (17), daughter Amelia (9) and sun-bathing ginger cat Blue.
Amelia gets to start her school days with the story-book type experience of walking to school with her mum through Le Roys Bush.
"It's beautiful," Lynetta says. "We go across a little boardwalk and watch the pukeko on the way."
Image 1 of 6: Weatherboard bungalow built in approximately 1935 is surprisingly roomy with a happy mix of modern and original elements. Photos / Teg Baghurst
The weatherboard bungalow was built around 1935 and the Walkers understand the low rock wall curving up their front driveway is original, too. Laying a new driveway was one of the tasks they ticked off after buying the property, which had the bedrooms and sizeable grounds they wanted but needed some renovation.
The boys' childhood flying fox has gone, leaving neatly landscaped front grounds with a double carport and plentiful off-street parking.
Some original character features have been retained in the bungalow, such as polished matai floors, battened ceilings and subtle leadlight windows.
"The flow in and out to this deck is wonderful," says Lynetta, walking through the living areas.
"And the fact that it's all one-level living is fantastic."
The side-by-side line-up of the formal lounge and living room means they can be closed off from one another or used as one open-plan line-up with the kitchen-dining room-conservatory.
All three spaces open to the sheltered side deck with built-in spa pool the family often plunge into.
They farewelled olive tones and a built-in booth a few years ago when they renovated the kitchen, which has a sun-trap conservatory area at one end. The curve of the kitchen's composite bench reminds some people of a koru.
Lynetta enjoys chopping herbs that she has plucked from the garden on its built-in timber butcher's block.
There's a peaceful green outlook from the front master bedroom with en suite. Lynetta says: "It's really quite private here despite being so close to everything. There are shops just up the road and the kids can easily walk up to Highbrook and Birkenhead or get buses or the ferry."
As well as three further bedrooms and a family bathroom, there's a storage cupboard handy for cellaring wine. The separate laundry and powder room is behind the kitchen.
The level and private back lawn has a sizeable shed where the family stores all their sporting gear.
