When David Rainbow was quite new on the real estate scene, he sold a four-bedroom home on one of New Zealand's most prestigious streets.
Thirty years later, and Rainbow has been charged again with selling 18 Paritai Drive, in Orakei, Auckland.
The Bayleys Remuera sales agent told OneRoof.co.nz that in the years following the intitial sale he would regularly drive past the house and he was always keen to see how it was doing under its "new" owners, Ian and Christine Ormond.
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To his surprise, the couple contacted him this year and asked if he would like to market it again.
“I said yes, very quickly,” said Rainbow. “I was so impressed when I saw the house with all the great changes they have made over time.”
Ian Ormond recalled when he and his wife first saw the handsome 1930s house in Saturday’s New Zealand Herald, all those years ago.
“They used to put the property listings in at the weekends - usually with a single photo and I think it was still in black and white," he said.
“If a house looked interesting, you’d ring the agent and then go around in the car with him or her to see it. I don’t even think they even had open homes back then.
“Almost every home had a list price in those days, so you always knew exactly where you stood, but it’s a bit more complicated now, so our price is by negotiation this time around.”
The house has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, all of which have proved useful as the couple’s children, enjoyed their teenage years here before leaving home and – in some cases, said Ian, coming back.
“Some of them have been boomerang kids and have flown in and out at various times, and we’ve also welcomed grandchildren into our lives here.”
Ormond said that the house, which has a CV of $5.6 million, has changed throughout the years, according to the family’s needs, but any changes have always taken its heritage into account and its continued flexibility has always amazed him, and his wife.
“Small changes in terms of layout and how rooms are utilised can make such a difference, as we’ve found, time after time.”
In addition to the house itself, there is a unit above the three-car garage with a further bedroom and bathroom. It would be ideal for semi-independent off-spring, guests or perhaps, an au pair.
“It’s been very interesting living on Paritai Drive because I feel that it tells so many stories about changes in New Zealand’s economy - and in our society in general,” said Ian.
He added that the property’s easy proximity to shops, cafes, restaurants and the beach has definitely been a huge attraction.
“We’re looking at apartment living now, so it’s time for somebody else to bring their family to this special spot.”
When Auckland Council’s most recent rating valuations were released in 2017, the average value in the street was $3.98 million. Notably, street is home to a house that sold for New Zealand's biggest residential sale price.
The mansion built for company director Mark Hotchin, was sold to businessman Deyi Shi for $39 million in 2013, and record that still stands.
Find out more about 18 Paritai Drive.
