Ranald and Cyndy McDonald’s two boys were young and incredibly active when the family was house-hunting in 1993 and Ranald was keen to indulge his own lifelong love of tennis, so Cyndy had a clear ideal in mind and when she arrived at 13 Maungakiekie Avenue, she knew immediately that this would be the perfect home for them all.

Under the guidance of legendary Auckland architect Terry Hitchcock, the doctors who previously owned the property had only quite recently moved the entire house forward by 4.5 metres in order to install a full size, flood-lit AstroTurf tennis court.

Naturally, Ranald was in his element and to this day he estimates he’s played 6000 games in almost 30 years with only a single disruption – in the form of a new knee.

While the boys were enjoying the swimming pool and carefree access to Cornwall Park with their friends, via a private gate, Cyndy, who has been in the Christmas business for three decades, importing and selling quality trees and decorations, was very happy in the house.

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“The previous owners had kept most of the lovely 1920s-character features – including elegant light fittings – at the front of the house, in the original lounge and dining room and they’d added a new Hitchcock-designed wing onto the rear with a wonderful modern kitchen overlooking the tennis court – which is viewed through a frame of ivy – as well as a casual combined family and dining room,” she says.

“It’s the most perfect space for entertaining family and friends.”

Upstairs are four generous bedrooms a library/living room and a family bathroom, with an ensuite in the primary suite.

A walk-in linen cupboard has been very handy, Cyndy says, and the colours throughout are gentle and restful, inspired by the hues and textures of nature.

Ranald and Cyndy McDonald

The property has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, swimming pool and tennis court.

Ranald and Cyndy McDonald

The private back gate that opens to Cornwall Park.

13 Maungakiekie Avenue also has a standalone poolhouse.

Formerly a garage, it was moved across the site when the tennis court was installed and is situated behind the pool.

Bright, sunny and beautifully equipped with kitchenette and bathroom, it’s ideal for guests. There is a sauna to the rear and Scandinavian-style décor, with light coloured wood panelling.

With the prospect of downsizing to a townhouse now firmly on their radar, Ranald and Cyndy feel both excited and sad as they prepare to leave their much-loved family home.

It’s going to market in February and both hope that the happy sounds of children playing will soon fill the air again.

“We’ve had the best years living here – with an open door to all!”

Ranald and Cyndy McDonald

Under the guidance of legendary Auckland architect Terry Hitchcock, the previous owners added a rear wing and moved the entire house forward by 4.5 metres in order to install the tennis court.

Dean Tuffley, from Ray White, who will be marketing the property, says there’s always huge interest when homes in Maungakiekie Avenue come up for sale.

“These freehold parkside homes rarely become available and I’m looking forward to launching another magnificent home on Maungakiekie Avenue in February 2025.

“The benefits of the Greenlane location are clear to those that already reside here. This home sits on the highest point in the street and is north-facing, with views across to the Remuera ridge and beyond.”

13 Maungakiekie Avenue in Greenlane, Auckland, has a 2021 RV of $6.2 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 1994 for $1.225m.

- Sponsored by Ray White