To say Laurie Spinley is a Devonport native is an understatement. Spending all but two of his 89 years in the neighbourhood, his family has called the seaside locale home since the 1860s.
Along with his wife Jocelyn, the pair are only the second owners of 38 Jubilee Avenue in Devonport, North Shore.
Armed with Laurie’s building expertise, the couple undertook a complete rebuild in 1979, using specifically sawn cedar weatherboards – resulting in a robust home brimming with character and space, and with possibly the best outlook Auckland has to offer.
The home counts North Head as its direct neighbour, offering the Spinleys’ three boys plenty of room to explore growing up. Sharing the same views as one of Auckland’s best vantage points, the property comes with immediate harbour views, from the city to the Bean Rock lighthouse.
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“The view is so distracting, there’s so much to see between the harbour and the city. It’s a constantly moving picture of cruise ships, boats, the water and everything in between,” describes Jocelyn.
38 Jubilee Avenue in Devonport is on the market for sale by tender closing March 21. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $7.085 million and has been owned by the Spinleys for 50 years.
The land is 1047sqm and the clifftop home pays homage to an era where expertise and superior materials were utmost. Photo / Supplied
The 1979 rebuild produced a home characterised by ornate timber features, 10-inch cedar weatherboards, bay windows, plastered ceiling domes and chandeliers. Photo / Supplied
Covering 1047sqm and upon volcanic rock, the substantial property has withstood the demands of time and environment and has given the Spinley family generous space to live and entertain.
With five bedrooms, four bathrooms and numerous living spaces, the couple say it has worked exactly how they intended it to. The home has held multiple weddings, celebrations and a host of international students, who have gladly called it home – all accommodated by its large section and a home equipped with roomy dimensions.
Additionally, a studio above one of the home’s two garages has served as a separated office, proving to be an ideal place to work.
The complete rebuild in 1979 didn’t result in your typical 1970s home.
Rather, Laurie – a well-respected builder and developer – produced a home characterised by ornate timber features, 10-inch cedar weatherboards, bay windows, plastered ceiling domes and chandeliers, achieved with the help of the best in their field.
The homeowner says: “The view is so distracting, there’s so much to see between the harbour and the city.” Photo / Supplied
The substantial property has withstood the demands of time and environment. Photo / Supplied
And it shows – the home’s structure and detail are a homage to an era where expertise and superior materials were utmost.
Peter Restall, of Bayleys, is marketing the property to be sold by tender.
“First and foremost, this is the most incredible and outstanding location that is quite irreplaceable. You won’t find a more superior location,” he says.
“It is a home with strong bones ready for some updates. In my 14 years of real estate in the area, I have not seen a property that could rival this home’s location.”
Jocelyn adds, “Devonport has provided us with everything we need. Tennis clubs, beaches, great schools, and a community we’ve been deeply involved in for a long time.”
A long-standing member of the Sea Scouts, Jocelyn enjoys membership of walking groups and other clubs which has produced solid friendships and a happy entrenchment in the neighbourhood that they raised their family in.
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