While many original character features remain in this renovated 1930s Stanmore Bay home, one feature apparently resigned to history was its menagerie of animals.
It’s understood the 1935-49 curator of Auckland Zoo, Lieutenant Colonel Sawer, once owned this home and kept caged zoo animals onsite in its former basement.
Current owner Simon Marsters says: “When we bought here 37 years ago, we knew nothing about that. We were attracted by the home’s beautiful renovated character, large grounds and sunny orientation, which also delivers sea views.
“But then one day up at the letterbox an elderly passerby told me about having visited caged exotic animals here when he was young. My subsequent research suggested it was owned by Sawer, after which some more unusual little features made sense.
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“There used to be quirky little additional doors on the lower level and the word is there were cages inside them, with one cage extending outside.
“The four trapdoors in the upper level’s floor have now been closed off, but you used to be able to look down and check out whatever was happening in the lower level.”
Given that Sawer was ahead of his time pursuing animal welfare, conservation and zoos as education, these animals may have been being nursed or awaiting proper enclosures.
Simon is this property’s sixth owner. It had been extensively renovated before he purchased it, so there’s no sign – or smell – of exotic creatures these days.
“The home is a grand old lady in her own right, but I do like to think about her history.”
The property was extensively renovated before the current owner bought it 37 years ago, although many original features still remain.
The 331sqm home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a single garage with plenty of off-street parking and a swimming pool and spa on 1736sqm of land.
2C Vipond Road in Stanmore Bay, Auckland, is on the market for sale and heading to auction on October 31. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom property has a 2021 CV of $1.6 million.
The 331sqm concrete residence with attractive clay tile roof sits on a 1736sqm section, positioned to deliver a sense of privacy regardless of neighbouring houses. Character features include native timber flooring, beamed ceilings, several fireplaces and multiple window seats with storage.
“I sit on my favourite one in the kitchen-dining room with a cup of tea and the sun streaming in, looking out towards the sea,” says Simon.
“And I love the big front porch, which gets sun in the winter and provides shade in summer. It’s wonderful for entertaining or just relaxing.”
The expansive porch opens off level two’s big central living room, sizeable enough to provide two distinct spaces. One is arranged around the character brick fireplace updated with gas, while the other opens out to a brick-paved courtyard area.
Along the hall are an office, the kitchen-dining-breakfast nook and a laundry. On the other side of the living expanse are three bedrooms served by a bathroom and powder room. These include the very spacious master bedroom, looking out towards the sea.
The big front porch is a favourite spot that gets sun in the winter, shade in the summer and enjoys sea views.
The trapdoors have since been closed off but the native timber flooring, beamed ceilings, several fireplaces, multiple window seats and quirky small doors remain.
Downstairs, level one has been overhauled, housing the ensuited fourth bedroom, a single garage and storage room.
Because the home was already thoroughly renovated, Simon’s ownership hasn’t involved many major changes. “The main thing we did was put a swimming pool, which is salt water, and a spa pool in in the early ‘90s.” The fully fenced grounds include lawn for children’s play.
Simon has enjoyed this location, which is close to local amenities, schools and beaches. He’s planning to relocate to Rarotonga.
Harcourts agent Sue Donoghue says: “This gracious home has a sense of calm and history. You don’t find many character homes around this area, and this one reminds you of the quality built into them.
“Its substantial grounds can make you feel like you’re in another world. They also provide subdivision potential and space for those looking to expand or develop.”
- 2C Vipond Road in Stanmore Bay, Auckland, goes to auction on October 31
