If first impressions count, then 41 Wapiti Avenue, in Epsom, makes a successful introduction. Elevated, set back from the road and fronted with brick stairs, it has all of the features you’d expect from an Edwardian villa.
The villa is on the market for sale by auction on April 24. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $3.475 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 1996 for $720,000.
Detailed woodwork and a large veranda count as some of the many attributes that make this home a poised and beautiful example of the much-loved New Zealand villa. It helps too that the home has been in the possession of one family for over 30 years, who has taken great care to sensitively update the home, while preserving all of its character.
In order to accommodate their three children, Sue and Ian Parton have thoughtfully added, updated and improved the home over their tenure there.
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Their first move was to extend the top floor to make room for spacious bedrooms, one of which is the master bedroom, with walk-in robe, ensuite and much more room than your standard villa offers, along with views to Mt St John and Mt Hobson.
“Our daughter used to live in Malaysia, so it was imperative that when she visited with her husband and three kids, there was plenty of room. And the house always accommodated everyone well,” says Sue.
Homeowners Sue and Ian Parton have thoughtfully added, updated and improved the home over the 30 years they have lived there. Photo / Supplied
The house is 220sqm and sits on a 1069sqm section which has room for a swimming pool. Photo / Supplied
With a large flat section, five bedrooms, multiple living areas and parks within quick reach all around them, the family has been afforded the best of Auckland living, both in and out of their home.
“This part of Wapiti Avenue is fondly called Little Wapiti,” Sue explains.
“These homes are tightly held and very rarely come up for sale because it’s such a lovely part of the street. We love the area – it’s very handy and very family orientated.”
Surrounded by some of Auckland’s most notable schools, the location has proved invaluable for the family when their children were at secondary school. The sun-filled home has the fortune to be accompanied by a large traditional garden, which Sue says was a lifesaver during the lockdowns.
Detailed woodwork and a large veranda count as some of the many attributes that make this home a much-loved New Zealand villa. Photo / Supplied
The sun-filled home has a large traditional garden, which one of the homeowners says was a lifesaver during the lockdowns. Photo / Supplied
Certainly, the home as a whole offers a sense of space and character made possible by tall ceilings, original timber, generous dimensions and white walls throughout.
Bayleys agent Fleur Denning, who is marketing the property, highlights the home’s beauty, along with its remarkable position.
“This is a beautifully maintained, majestic villa with character features and timeless appeal,” she says.
“It’s ideal for families with large grounds set back from the road with a dreamy large flat lawn with established trees for climbing and grounds for playing and space for a pool. It’s within close proximity to the best schools in Auckland. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to raise your family.”
- 41 Wapiti Avenue in Epsom, Auckland, goes to auction on April 24
