32 Walford Rd, Pt Chevalier, Auckland. Photo / Kellie Blizard
The ex-state house, standing proud on a generous corner section, had only one previous owner, a keen astronomer who built a shed in the back garden to serve as an observatory.
The house wasn't exactly flash, but it was cosy and had a special charm, says Wayne Bulog, recalling the first time he saw it 25 years ago.
"It was quite old and quaint, and just had a good feeling about it. It was a great location, and I fell in love with it straight away."
Today the property bears little resemblance to that two-bedroom original — it's now a large family-friendly home, thanks to an extensive makeover — but it still has a warm, welcoming feeling.
"It's always been such a great place to live," says Wayne, a branch manager of UP Real Estate.
He and his late father Milan renovated it, adding an upper level with two extra bedrooms, a bathroom and a study.
"It took us eight years — we did it at weekends and after work," says Wayne. "Dad was an architect but also really handy as a builder. I can remember him teaching me to hang doors."
Apart from the upper level, the house has had other work done.
A double garage with internal access has been added, and a new kitchen and updated bathrooms installed.
There's now a spacious laundry, with plenty of room for cupboards, a fold-out ironing board and even an extra fridge.
New glazing has been put in and the lounge has a stylish gas fire. A separate dining room adjoins the kitchen, which has tongue-and-groove cabinetry and plenty of storage space.
The two downstairs bedrooms are pretty much unchanged from when the house was built in the 1930s.
The two upstairs ones include the master suite, which has a walk-in wardrobe and en suite, and doors out to a north-facing deck. Skylights help to bring plenty of light into the upstairs rooms.
Outdoor areas have also been developed. A north-facing deck at the front of the house, accessed from the lounge, is a great suntrap. There is a wall for privacy and a water feature.
Another deck at the rear is partially covered and has side panels which effectively turn it into an outdoor room, ideal for entertaining in all weathers.
The former observatory has had many uses over the years, from being Wayne's office through to a playroom for he and wife Marlie's three children, Eduard, Justine and Eugene.
There was always plenty of room in the garden for the kids and their friends.
There are two garden sheds, one a two-storey playhouse, and the clothesline is hidden behind a ponga wall.
Having so much space made it a great family home, says Wayne. Now the children have left the nest it is time for another family to enjoy the home.
32 WALFORD RD, PT CHEVALIER
• 4 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, 2 parking spaces.
• Land, 667sq m, house 220sq m.
• Price: CV $1.85 million.
• Inspect: Sat/Sun 12-12.30pm.
• Auction: Wed Oct 31, 2pm.
• Schools: Pt Chevalier School, Western Springs College.
• Contact: David Simons, 021 277 7579 and Jennifer Temm Munns, 027 222 1555, Unlimited Potential, uprealestate.co.nz/UPH11462