As British expats, the owners of this attractive North Shore villa in popular Belmont, regard it as a classic slice of our celebrated kiwi lifestyle, set in a quiet cul-de-sac, on a large, level sunny 1085sqm section and surrounded by lovely friendly neighbours.
“We didn’t even go inside before my husband Duncan and I knew that we were going to buy it, in 2019. It just looked perfect,” says Jeanette.
She admits that proximity to the sea, just a few blocks away, was another attraction – with a choice between Narrow Neck, Takapuna and Cheltenham beaches, all of which have their own unique charms.
14 Maleme Avenue in Belmont, North Shore, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on May 2. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $3.325 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands at the end of 2018 for $2.495m.
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Jeanette explains that the previous owners had done a fairly major renovation leaving her and Duncan to do little else besides hanging new blinds inside, updating some fencing, then adding their own touches to the garden which had already been professionally landscaped and enjoys well-established trees, with an abundance of native birdlife.
“We’ve been able to just appreciate being here,” she says.
14 Maleme Avenue has been home away from home for the British owners. Photo / Supplied
There are two or potentially three living spaces on the versatile ground floor, with another forming part of the master suite upstairs. Photo / Supplied
With two children, one of whom is now away at university, the house certainly proved to be perfect for teenagers and their friends, especially with the light, bright kitchen at its heart.
“The kitchen’s a great size but there is actually potential for knocking through some walls and opening it up even more,” Jeanette says.
There are two or potentially three living spaces on the versatile ground floor, with another forming part of the master suite upstairs, which has its own balcony offering views to Rangitoto.
Extensive decking and a covered patio create the ideal atmosphere for relaxed outdoor living and Jeanette and Duncan did play with the idea of putting gates on the property and building a pool, but they’ll leave that for the next owner.
“You could put it at the front or the rear,” she says, adding that the double garage has been a huge bonus, along with plenty of off-street parking.
They’re selling simply because the property is now too big for them and their high-school-age daughter, Jeanette says that she and Duncan are hoping to remain in the general area.
Bayleys agent Victoria Mules says Maleme Avenue is a special street with most of the residents having lived there for many years. Photo / Supplied
“The kitchen’s a great size but there is actually potential for knocking through some walls and opening it up even more,” says the homeowner. Photo / Supplied
“One couple nearby have become close friends of ours and the other people we know in the street are also very nice, so we would like to keep in touch.”
She thinks 14 Maleme Avenue would be superb for a young family with so much space for children and pets to run around outside. “During the Covid lockdowns it was a beautiful, peaceful hideaway.”
Victoria Mules, from Bayleys, is marketing the property and says that there is definitely demand for homes of this quality in an exceptionally convenient location with Belmont Primary, Belmont Intermediate and Takapuna Grammar practically on the doorstep.
“This is a very special street and most of the residents have lived here for many years because they love it so much. Opportunities like this one don’t come up very often.”
- 14 Maleme Avenue in Belmont, North Shore, Auckland, goes to auction on May 2
