Nicki O’Donnell loves the fact that the large three-level weatherboard home she and husband Mark bought around 14 years ago has an interesting history.
The house in Epsom's 1 Fern Ave is being sold by auction by UP Realty agent Lisa Pringle on September 30. It has a CV of $5.5 million. Properties in the exclusive enclave, which rarely come on the market, have CVs that go up to $10.5 million.
“It was built in the 1920s and Auckland University owned it from 1950 to 1990,” Nicki says, adding that well-known vice-chancellors Kenneth Maidment and Colin Maiden both lived here during their terms.
Start your property search
“And apparently the US astronaut David Scott once came for dinner!”
When Nicki and Mark bought the 1920s property it needed a lot of refurbishment and over the years they’ve updated almost every single aspect whilst remaining true to its heritage.
“We did some moving around of bedrooms and bathrooms to get the layout you see now,” says Nicki.
She explains that all of their decisions were made on the basis of increasing the home’s flexibility.
Beyond the front entrance is a large, luxury lounge, separate formal dining, a light, bright sunroom which opens to the deck and an open-plan kitchen, casual dining and family room. Some of the rooms can be closed off, according to the new owner’s needs and the décor throughout is quiet and neutral with lots of warm white and soft browns.
On the lower level, lies another living room, a big bedroom, bathroom and media room along with the laundry and wine cellar.
“This area has internal and external access so it’s self contained and friends from all around the world have stayed here,” says Nicki.
On the top floor of the house all three bedrooms – including the principal suite – all have their own sleek and elegant bathrooms.
Needless to say, the views from this level are wonderful.
“Now that our daughters are in their twenties, Mark and I feel that it’s time to move on and find something smaller,” says Nicki.
“Having said that, it was fantastic when they were younger, enjoying the pool in summer. It was very versatile during level 4 lockdown this year because the girls came home and we all had makeshift offices around the house.”
Nicki says that amongst many things she’ll miss is the incredible sense of privacy she and Mark have enjoyed.
“Because of the way the house is situated we can really only see one neighbouring home and we sit outside with a drink and enjoy views towards Mount Eden, without seeing anyone.”
She says that she’ll also miss the quiet street, right next door to Cornwall Park and within easy walking distance of the shops, restaurants and cafes at Greenwood’s Corner.
“Mark’s in the travel business and this place is halfway between the city and the airport so it’s been great for him.”
Lisa Pringle of UP Real Estate in Mount Eden also loves the astronaut story.
“Apparently he was the first person to drive a moon buggy – on the moon!”
She says that she loves the home’s carefully retained heritage features, such as the leadlight windows.
“The fact that it’s so private and close to Cornwall Park is great, yet the city isn’t far away.
“It’s a fantastic place for entertaining too, with loads of space for a crowd or you can close off the kitchen if you want a more intimate gathering.”
Check out the listing below:
