19 Seaview Road in Remuera, Auckland, has facilitated its fair share of memories since Milton and Eileen purchased it 20 years ago.
With two teenagers and a pre-teen, the couple wanted a home that would give their family the space and independence they needed, while making it easy for everyone to reunite at the end of the day.
“We wanted a home that would evolve with our family while bringing us closer together,” recalls Eileen. “It really has been the most amazing family home.”
Entertaining and quintessential Kiwi living is the name of the game here, with large flexible living spaces and seamless integration with the outdoors. Downstairs, a large space perfect for entertaining spills out to the gas-heated pool.
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“Almost immediately downstairs became the children’s domain where they had parties, pre-balls – our son’s band even recorded their first album down there. We installed the pool not long after we moved in, because with three growing kids we knew it would be used all the time. Now we have a couple of grandchildren and they’ve been water babies from day dot.”
19 Seaview Road was originally part of a 20-roomed house built in 1920 that was split into three in the early 1930s. Almost a century on, the home effortlessly combines the character of its roots with modern creature comforts and living.
The four-bedroom, three-bathroom property is on the market for sale by way of auction on October 9, and has a 2021 CV of $5.5 million.
“We’ve tried to retain as much of the original home as possible over the years,” says Milton. “The original tiling and flooring are still here, along with the staircase which is built of beautiful native wood and is so solid.”
Many rooms in the house enjoy stunning views out to Rangitoto, something that can never be lost.
“In the 1960s, the owner paid the neighbour £3600 to put a height restriction on his house. That means our views are protected; a developer can’t build an apartment building next door and block them. We often sit on the deck just off the kitchen and enjoy our breakfast or morning coffee, watching the cruise ships coming in. When the America’s Cup was here, we had grandstand seats – it was wonderful.”
“This home has some of the best sea views on Seaview,” says Bayleys agent Gary Wallace who is marketing this property.
“When you walk through the home, whether it’s the lounge or the bedrooms upstairs, the views are right in your face – they dominate. The location here is unbeatable. The owners have lovingly restored it and brought it up to a modern standard. It’s just a lovely warm home that resonates with you the moment you walk through the door.”
Despite being in one of the most popular parts of Auckland, the home feels very private.
“Seaview is a very sought-after street and already very quiet but being down a driveway gives us that extra privacy and space away from the street,” says Milton.
“The landscaping around the pool reminds us of Bali with its established palms and greenery. Being here feels like we’re miles away from reality.”
While it’s time for Milton and Eileen to move on from Seaview Road, it’s not time to leave the area.
“I’ve lived in Remuera for 55 years and have no plans to leave anytime soon. We’re sad to move on from this home but we know it’s time for a new family to make memories here,” Eileen says.
- 19 Seaview Road in Remuera, Auckland, goes to auction on October 9