The Joneses were careful to preserve the best spot for themselves. At the highest point of Torbay, a large piece of mostly flat land took in a jaw-dropping 180-degree view north, from Whangaparaoa across to Rangitoto and the city. If they swivelled on the spot, they could also see as far as the Waitakeres.
They divided off 3001sq m for themselves and put caveats on the surrounding sections to preserve the view, and set the house back from its street to ensure privacy. Tom named the street Thelma Cres.
"He knew this spot was pretty special," says Paula.
In 1962, the couple built a big, solid, north-facing, two-storey house to take in the views. They gave it plenty of breathing space in the form of an enormous flat lawn to the north. And there they lived out the rest of their lives.
Thelma died first and Tom continued to live in the house until his death well into his 80s.
Paula said even towards the end he would resolutely mow all the lawns - sometimes just a few metres a day - and he adored the enormous palm tree he had planted in the backyard.
"He used to love to watch it," says Paula. "He'd sit here and watch it swaying in the wind and think it looked like Tahitian dancing girls."
Vince and Paula bought the house from Tom's estate 22 years ago. Tom might have been happy to know that the front yard became a popular venue for rugby games between the neighbourhood children.
Though the house was in original condition when they bought it, Paula and Vince didn't begin to renovate until the early 2000s. Even then, it didn't require much more than a bit of opening up and a makeover.
Now, the top floor accommodates a large open-plan living area, which shares a deck (and a view) with the master suite. A second bedroom also gazes out at the view.
Downstairs they created a serene retreat for their teenage daughter, with a bedroom, a bathroom and a large lounge that opens straight out on to the lawn.
Now their daughter is at university, the couple have decided reluctantly that it's time to downsize.
"I'll miss that view," says Paula. "You turn up here and you feel like you've escaped the world."
