As an architect herself, it was inevitable that Kristin Everett would find herself drawn to a classic Ian Burrow-designed 1970s home in Auckland's Titirangi.
“It was my kind of architecture and I appreciated the fact that while it had been recently spruced up, the owners at the time hadn’t completely changed it,” she says of the house at 153 Atkinson Road.
Both Kristin and her husband Philip McCracken first saw the house six years ago were both attracted to the native bush surrounding the home.
“It’s lovely having various kauri dotted around.”
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Kristin especially loves the iconic 1970s round window in the living room, which spectacularly frames the leafy vista.
She and Philip have found the layout very user-friendly, with three bedrooms — one downstairs, and two on the upper level, served by a full bathroom with shower and tub, plus a sleepout above the detached double garage.
The circular window is a favourite Burrow touch. Photo / Supplied
Soaring cathedral ceilings in the living areas, tiled floors and two sun-kissed decks — one off the dining room and the other off the lounge — are ideal for relaxation and al fresco dining.
The couple also appreciate the home’s proximity to Titirangi Village with its shops, cafes, and restaurants.
According to Kristin, it’s just an easy and pleasant walk away and while accessing their home through the village by car at busy times of the day can be tricky, they have discovered some effective short-cuts.
The house gets lots of sun and has cathedral-like spaces inside. Photo / Supplied
Following the arrival of their first child, Matilda, who is just five months old, Kristin and Philip are looking at moving closer to central Auckland.
“It will be sad leaving this home where we’ve both had our 30th birthdays, and got engaged and married,” Kristin says.
The owners are particularly proud of the kitchen. Photo / Supplied
“And I’m quite attached to the kitchen, which I designed myself.”
Ray White agent Lynn Lacy-Hauck, who is marketing the property, which has a set sale date of July 8, is a mid-century specialist, having successfully marketed dozens of such classic properties in Titirangi and beyond during her extensive real-estate career.
“Right now, there are so few properties — of any kind really — on the market, so we’re getting really amazing turnouts at open homes and lots of enthusiasm.”
She says that 30 parties were shown through 153 Atkinson Ave on its first day on the market.
“The general feeling is one of huge excitement, and there are potential buyers in every age-group.”
She says that some are avowed mid-century fans, while others are general first- or second-home buyers.
“And then there are many other people, in between.”
Lynn says that her favourite aspects of the property are Kristin and Philip’s new kitchen, which is subtle and understated while in keeping with the rest of the interior design, and the fact that all of its previous owners have clearly tried to keep the home true to its architectural era.
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