Well-known Auckland garden writer, Rose Thodey, remembers exactly how long she’s lived in one of St Marys Bay’s most lovely character homes just a few steps to lively, vibrant Ponsonby Road, yet incredibly peaceful and private, tucked behind a brick wall.
“I went into labour with our third child the night before we were due to move in – 34 and a half years ago.”
The family had moved from Wellington and the house on 44 Wood Street in Freemans Bay appealed to them because it reminded them of the capital’s gracious villas – looking down towards the harbour.
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The vendor, Rose Thodey, says she will miss her big garden at 44 Wood Street. Photo / Supplied
As their older children approached their teens, Rose, and her late husband Chris, decided to harness the potential of a large dirt basement space.
“Conservation architect Graeme Burgess was amazing, and we were very thrilled with the result,” she says.
There are two bedrooms, a laundry, bathroom, and lots of storage on this level. That, and other changes the couple undertook were planned with the home’s rich heritage in mind.
The Freemans Bay property has a wonderful city view. Photo / Supplied
“As an example, we had specialist advice on exposing and restoring the kauri floorboards, which are absolutely beautiful.”
On the sprawling first floor is a huge open-plan kitchen, dining, and family room area, which opens to a sunny patio with a sparkling, heated swimming pool beyond.
Also on this level is a formal lounge, two bedrooms, family bathroom as well as a large balcony. The decor is pleasantly neutral throughout.
The huge open-plan kitchen, dining and family room opens to a sunny patio. Photo / Supplied
“It’s a very easy house to live in,” says Rose. The master bedroom ensuite and a lovely sunny lounge for grown-ups is right at the top of the house.
“This third floor is original while other houses nearby had theirs added later. It’s such a cosy, comfortable hideaway.”
Rose says that she ‘fell’ into writing unexpectedly having sent a story, produced on a whim, to New Zealand Gardener magazine.
The sparkling, heated swimming pool is surrounded by lush plants and trees. Photo / Supplied
“I forgot about it and got such a lovely surprise when it was published.”
This led to work for the New Zealand Herald, New Zealand House and Garden magazine amongst other titles and she has authored three best-selling gardening books.
Following Chris’ death 20 years ago, Rose found considerable solace tending to her country-style garden, which complements the style of the house with neatly clipped hedges juxtaposed with what she describes as more ‘loose’ plantings.
Rose Thodey found solace tending her country-style garden following the death of her husband 20 years ago. Photo / Supplied
An essentially English feel has been cleverly adapted to include more sub-tropical plants, which thrive perfectly in Auckland’s temperate climate.
Rose is downsizing but hopes to remain in the neighbourhood.
“I will miss my big garden, of course, and the fantastic city and harbour views but it feels like the right time to move on.”
44 Wood Street enjoys dual access from both Wood Street and Gunson Street. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent Edward Pack, who sells a lot of property in the vicinity, says that the house enjoys dual access from both Wood Street and Gunson Street, which is a big bonus for the new owner.
“Rose and her family have looked after this house so lovingly and so well. You absolutely cannot fault a single thing.”
44 Wood Street in Freemans Bay will be sold at auction on November 10.
