Take a stroll along Parnell’s Cracroft Street and you’ll think you’ve teleported out of 21st century Auckland and into Victorian London.
Originally built in the early 1910s, 8 Cracroft Street oozes with original character.
One of a set of six historic homes, number 8’s iconic red brick, kauri and rimu bones, Arts and Crafts styling, and restored Victorian features make it a truly unique offering on the streets of one of Auckland’s loveliest suburbs.
“Almost everyone who comes through our home says it has a really lovely energy,” says Sheryl who has owned the property for 25 years.
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“The beauty of the architecture is that it’s versatile and timeless; it lends itself to whatever you want to make of it. That means it’s essentially a blank slate for anyone who wants to put their own mark on it.”
Original stables at the rear of the property were converted into a modern galley kitchen long before Sheryl moved in, but she has done her fair share of work on the home too, including adding a back studio room and working on much of the landscaping.
“Originally the front gardens were split between us and [our] neighbour, but we took down that division to build a water feature,” says Sheryl.
“We and the neighbours had young kids at the time so having no fence meant that the kids could move freely between the houses. Our kids essentially grew up together, and we’ve always loved that sense of family and togetherness.”
In fact, that sense of family and togetherness has defined much of Sheryl’s time in the home.
“This has been a much-loved family home for many years,” she says.
“Between the neighbours and the cousins, we always had 2-3 kids here at any one stage.
“In fact, there were eight of us living here at one stage and it’s always been a favourite with friends visiting New Zealand from overseas.”
The property has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a garage.
Sheryl says that Parnell living is ideal for families of every age and stage.
“The Auckland Domain is so close, and so lovely. It’s an amazing place for the kids to explore. The big fields were basically an extension of our backyard.
“As the kids got older, university was right there so they could walk to class every day. We worked in the city which was a very easy commute, and we just loved being close to family and friends in the area,” she says.
Sheryl is heading off on a new adventure imminently so it’s time to pass the mantle of responsibility for the home onto someone new.
“I see the next people coming in and being the custodians of this home,” she says.
“We have loved taking care of this place for so long. It’s time to hand it onto the next family who will love it and care for it the way we have, and to create their own memories in.”
8 Cracroft St, which goes to auction on May 31, is being marketed by Bayleys agent Fleur Denning.
