When Lynette and Simon moved into 45 Walmer Road, Point Chevalier, Auckland, their grand plan was to renovate it over 18 months then move on.
Thirty four years later they’re finally leaving behind a home they’ve poured their hearts and souls into. Originally a two-bedroom bungalow, 45 Walmer Road has seen many evolutions over the years.
Various renovations and extensions have transformed the house into a wonderful mix of old and new with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces, while an eclectic collection of art and personal touches infuse a unique personality into the home.
Start your property search
After three decades of calling 45 Walmer Road at Point Chevalier home, the owners are selling and moving on. Photo / Supplied
“I don’t know what I’d call this style, but it’s us,” says Lynette. “If you came to my house, I’d be able to walk you through every room and tell you a story.
“The front gates originally came from Diocesan School, and we bought and restored them after seeing them advertised in the paper.
“We rescued some port holes which are now a feature upstairs. A lot of the art displayed around the house was painted by me. You could say we’re collectors of things that bring us joy. There’s passion in this house. Nothing has been done lightly.”
Despite the renovations, the home remains sympathetic to its roots. Rich warm timber floors blend effortlessly with modern conveniences like the entertainer’s kitchen, marble-tiled bathroom, and outdoor louvres.
45 Walmer Road has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces. Photo / Supplied
“This home has incredible soul,” says Lynette. “It’s been there for us through thick and thin, and when we walk through that front door it feels like we’re coming home to a warm hug.”
It’s perfectly functional too; it had to be after being home to three boisterous boys too.
“We always considered how we’d like to live. The pool was originally planned for the other side of the property but we put it outside the kitchen so I could cook dinner while keeping an eye on the kids.
“The laundry opens to the pool too so the kids could come into the house through there instead of traipsing wet towels through the house.”
The home owners say they are collectors of things that bring them joy. Photo / Supplied
One of the reasons why Lynette and Simon have stayed on Walmer Road for so long is their relationship with their neighbours.
“Some people have been here 33, 35, even 40 years. Our kids have grown up together and we still socialise with each other regularly.
“When there’ve been moments when we’ve needed to quickly drop a child off to someone, we’ve always had each other’s backs. I think that’s unique in this day and age.”
Today as Lynette strolls the streets of Point Chev, she sees herself in the young couples who now call the area home.
The kitchen overlooks the pool so adults cooking inside can keep an eye on the children in the pool outside. Photo / Supplied
“When we moved here there were a lot of elderly people around, and we were like the new kids on the block walking around with pushchairs,” she laughs. “Now there’s a new generation of young couples pushing pushchairs.”
But after three decades of calling 45 Walmer Road home, it’s time for the next adventure.
“There will be tears – I guarantee it,” Lynette says. “We’ve poured our hearts into making this house our home. But now it’s another family’s turn to create their own memories and turn it into their home instead.”
45 Walmer Road, Point Chevalier will be sold at auction on February 24. Derek von Sturmer and Jackson Tariau of Ray White are marketing the property.
