It was around this same month 18 years ago that Margie and her husband, Roger, viewed their prospective home at 72 The Drive in Epsom.
The owner recounts, “It had been described in the advertising as ‘breathtakingly beautiful’, I remember walking in and instantly thinking it would be out of our range because of its exquisiteness – it did take my breath away.”
A justified response given the home’s picture book appeal; dense with detail and brimming with character on one of Epsom’s most sought-after streets.
72 The Drive in Epsom, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on November 29. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $3.65 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 2005 for $1.065m.
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The property has accommodated the couple and their four children for almost two decades with ease.
Working, entertaining and living to the fullest has been made possible in a beautiful space that has delivered all the room they needed, and more.
The property has accommodated the owners and their four children for almost two decades with ease. Photo / Supplied
The main house has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, with off-street parking for four vehicles while the studio has the fifth bedroom and a third bathroom. Photo / Supplied
“When we first looked at the home a friend offered a piece of advice. She said look for a home that offers a place for everyone on a rainy day.”
Words Margie and Roger went by, subsequently purchasing the home which, over time, they have refined to perfection, making it as comfortable as it is beautiful.
Any modification, however, was done with the utmost sensitivity to the home’s heritage. Stained glass windows, panelled ceilings, ornate woodwork and kauri floors remained intact.
The couple introduced a workable shaker-style kitchen, a new laundry, neutral walls and modern appliances, as well as replacing the formerly aging veranda.
“Wherever the eyes see, there’s beauty. It’s classical and beautiful, but for liveability it’s been ideal,” says Margie.
Catching all-day sun, offering plenty of both communal and private areas, and with untouched character throughout, the villa couldn’t be better equipped for family life. The addition of the studio provides Roger the capacity to run his practice from home, but the self-sufficient building – home to the property’s fifth bedroom – has infinite potential for the next family.
The home has picture book appeal and is dense with detail and brimming with character on one of Epsom’s most sought-after streets. Photo / Supplied
The owners have modified the home over the years but with the utmost sensitivity to its heritage. Photo / Supplied
The remaining four bedrooms in the main residence include the beautifully equipped master bedroom, with ensuite, walk-in wardrobes and heritage features that embellish the interior throughout.
But possibly on par with the home’s elegance is its position. Margie explains, “There’s a running joke in the family that if I can’t be found, I’ll be found at Farro.”
Certainly, the keen entertainer will appreciate the home’s closeness to the gourmet food market. Add to that the property’s proximity to Cornwall Park and Greenwood’s Corner, along with being within the coveted DGZ, the location is a gift.
Ray White agent Mike Robson, who is marketing 72 The Drive in Epsom with Sarah Robson and James Wang, says this is a home with a broad and timeless appeal.
“Very seldom do you see such an impressive entrance with a lovely bay villa set back off the road. It has been the site of family weddings and entertainment for the owners over the years. An excellent property in the heart of Epsom,” he says.
- 72 The Drive, Epsom, Auckland, goes to auction on November 29
