It was a big ask, finding a house that perfectly fit the bill for a multi-generational Auckland family. Raewyn wanted a home that would work for her and her two adult daughters, one of whom was at university studying and the other who was mum to a 4-year-old.
So she was delighted when three years ago, she viewed this two-level home hidden away down a long driveway in an Avondale cul-de-sac. The house at 12A Saltaire Street is being sold by auction on May 20 by NZ Sotheby's Realty agent Charlotte Kofoed.
It catered to everyone's needs thanks to the carefully thought-out layout. The lower level comprises a living and dining room, kitchen, master bedroom, family bathroom, second bedroom and another multi-functional room that can be used as an office, living space or third bedroom.
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A second kitchenette and living area on the upper floor was a great self-contained unit for the owner's daughter and grandson. Photo / supplied
Meanwhile upstairs is another living/dining room, kitchenette, a second master suite, and another bedroom.
"It was ideal for us," says Raewyn. Her daughter and grandson had the top floor, while she and her other daughter shared the ground one. "We all had plenty of space. We couldn't have asked for better."
The home was built 12 years ago by a builder for his own family, and Raewyn understands that he put the second living area and kitchenette upstairs for his two teenage sons. Because it was his own home, he went the extra mile to make it both comfortable and stylish, says Raewyn.
Landscaped courtyards opening off the living spaces have room for big holiday dinner crowds. Photo / supplied
"He didn't skimp on anything. There's a lot of attention to detail, like the rimu joinery used throughout the house. The lighting is extreme - there are multiple lighting options throughout the house, and the sound system is also great." High studs on both levels help the 227sqm house to feel even more feel spacious, and generous use of windows make it very light and bright. Concrete floors downstairs absorb the heat from the sun when it pours in the windows, while a gas fire and double glazing also make this a very warm house.
The main kitchen on the ground floor opens to courtyard gardens and inside entertaining spaces. Photo / supplied
It's a great home for entertaining, says Raewyn, with plenty of room both inside and out for guests. As well as a paved area at the front of the home, there is a large courtyard at the rear that has space for an outdoor lounge suite as well as a table and chairs. It's been well-used over the years, including for family gatherings. "We have 24 people here for Christmas dinner," recalls Raewyn.
Lush semi-tropical planting gives the home a resort feel, as well as helping with privacy.
Raewyn's had to do very little to the house since she's lived there, other than recarpeting and adding new high-quality drapes in some rooms. She loves the fact that the house has been so flexible and as well as being a great family home, there are options to have a dedicated work-from-home area downstairs or even set it up as an Airbnb space.
The way the late-afternoon sun pours into the west-facing side of the house in the afternoon is magical, Raewyn says, and she will miss living somewhere that is so peaceful, but close to major transport routes and motorway on-ramps.
As well as its handy location to Avondale town centre, public transport and the motorway, the house also faces spectacular western skies. Photo / supplied
But now that her daughters and grandson have departed to do their own thing, the home is too big for her, and it is time to move somewhere smaller.
Agent Charlotte Kofoed of Sotheby's says, "It's such a pleasure to market this unique home. It really is one of a kind and the best value option in Avondale right now. "There's access to shopping, parks, schools, the street has a warm community. With so much exciting development planned for the area, it's definitely time to become part of this vibrant suburb."
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