SCHOOL ZONES:
Freemans Bay School, Ponsonby Intermediate, AGGs, Western Springs College.
CONTACT:
Karen Spires or Ben Meiring, Bayleys, ph 027 273 8220 (Karen) or 021 708 083 (Ben).
*Plus off-street
This once-glorious home, for sale as a major do-up, is a study in contrasts, having housed "la-di-da" residents and decades of more modest inhabitants.
The juxtaposition of its history is obvious when you explore the landmark 1880s mansion. Sunlight filters through colourful heritage leadlights illuminating painted-over schoolgirl graffiti inside wardrobes.
Splendid rooftop weather vane and grand staircase? Present. Dormitory-style bathroom and ageing walk-in fridge? Also present.
Heritage fans and developers have had their interest piqued by the two-storey weatherboard building, awash with views of the city, Westhaven marina and Auckland Harbour from its elevated 1246sq m site.
The statement home was originally owned by successful merchant and Auckland Deputy Mayor Andrew Entrican. Its second owner was businessman MP Captain William Crush Daldy; the tugboat named after him is still enjoying its own long semi-retirement at Devonport Wharf.
However, it's spent about 70 years known as "Te Kainga Aroha" leased until a year ago by the United Maori Mission as a hostel for young Maori women. A 1957 edition of now defunct Maori Affairs Department's Te Ao Hou magazine, describes how this arrangement came about in the mid-1940s, spurred by former missionary Sister Jessie Alexander. Not long before she had encountered "many young Maoris in Auckland at a loose end and walking the streets, particularly at weekends".
"I could see if we had a house we could help the girls a lot more," said Sister Jessie. "They were coming to the city in large numbers to do essential war work and many of them were right from the backblocks."
It's owned by Te Tumu Kainga (formally known as the Auckland and Onehunga Hostels' Endowment Trust) a registered community housing provider focused on supporting Maori housing needs and aspirations.
The sale is being overseen by Te Tumu Paeroa, the statutory trustees of Te Tumu Kainga, who work with owners of Maori land to protect and build their assets. Head of Te Tumu Paeroa, Jamie Tuuta, says, "The property is now in need of significant refurbishment and the decision has been made that monies are better invested in other housing initiatives."
No.29 has a $2.3 million 2011 CV and Residential 1 zoning, requiring resource consent for demolition or significant renovation.
Stately but faded, it perches atop large grounds alongside a couple of mature pohutakawa. Its uppermost roof ornament and the bulk of its airy open verandas remain.
Restoration-minded potential buyers have some encouragement: numerous leadlights, a high stud soaring above native timber floors and a grand staircase.
Question marks hang over whether lowered ceilings conceal more impressive ones and what lies behind boarded-up fireplaces.
Rooms range from generously sized ones crying out for a return to grandeur to a couple of little ones formed by pilfering veranda space. It's marketed as seven bedrooms, two sprawling ones downstairs and five up, which doesn't include a strange little basement sleepout-type room.
Image 1 of 6: Historic mansion will excite heritage lovers and developers alike
A big downstairs lounge conjures up bygone days when the hostel was nicknamed "Heppy". Te Ao Hou magazine puts weekly board in the late 1950s at around £2 10s to £3.
"Parents can rest assured that regulations regarding hours of attendance and general conduct are rigorously enforced. There are plenty of trips away in leisure hours -- picnics, camps, and visits to other institutions."
Whether a deep-pocketed developer or an enterprising family takes on this mega opportunity/challenge, one thing is almost certain -- they're unlikely to observe its matronly sign: "Please leave this kitchen as you found it."
