Parents-of-14 Jane and Sam McAllister say this cedar colonial home they built 38 years ago has been perfect for everything from social family pandemonium to quiet contemplation.
Its spaciousness has helped nurture their family, the youngest of whom is now 19, and assisted with the operation of Jane’s babywear company Dimples.
“We still love it after all this time as it’s so peaceful to come home to, set down a driveway with no traffic noise and a beautiful view of the Waitakere Ranges,” Sam says.
Start your property search
293a Titirangi Road has six bedrooms, four bathrooms and garaging for two vehicles, with plenty of off-street parking. Photo / Supplied
Jane adds, “After my parents moved up from the South Island many years ago it was natural for them to gravitate towards Titirangi because my mother was an artist and Titirangi was very artsy then.
“My father bought a larger block of land and we bought this section off him, building this house and living in a caravan onsite, with six children then, as we finished it off.”
The couple commissioned a builder who’d constructed a similar style of home nearby.
Family Christmases, including grandchildren, have routinely involved about 45 people. Photo / Supplied
“With the cedar exterior and the peaked roof and the dormer windows it makes some people think of a Swiss chalet,” Sam says. “We wanted a really high-quality home using lots of beautiful rimu inside which means it would be an expensive house to build today.
“It’s also been hardwearing for family life.”
Family Christmases including grandchildren routinely involve about 45 people. Conveniently you can park 12 cars plus the McAllister campervan off-street, in addition to the double garage.
The fenced 1534sqm property is a 15-minute walk from Titirangi Village. Photo / Supplied
“The sun comes up over the back of the house in the morning and streams over the pool area in the afternoon,” Sam says.
Entry is into the mid-level of the 365sqm three-level home, which is swathed in decks and verandas including covered areas. A rimu-lined ceiling peaks high over the dining-family room-kitchen with walk-in pantry, flowing out to decks.
“It’s fantastic for entertaining, with people inside and others out on the decks,” Jane says.
The homeowners wanted a high-quality home with lots of rimu inside. Photo / Supplied
More rimu features in floors, the main staircase and Sam’s office walls. Family can spread out with a TV lounge plus a formal lounge on this level, accompanied by a bathroom and laundry.
Upstairs is the sizeable master bedroom with walk-in-wardrobe, three more bedrooms and two further bathrooms.
Jane’s desire for high quality clothing for her own children spawned her NZ-made babywear company, which was run out of downstairs at one stage. With two big rooms, a bathroom and walk-in-wardrobe it can be used as the fifth bedroom, a semi-self-contained set-up or work-from-home facilities.
The home was built 38 years ago with its cedar exterior, peaked roof and dormer windows. Photo / Supplied
The sixth bedroom is in loft space above the garage. Below the recently resurfaced big pool is a lawned area. The fenced 1534sqm property is 15 minutes’ walk from Titirangi Village. The couple only have two of their 14-strong brood still living at home and say it’s time for a change after 38 years.
Ray White agent Craig Smith says: “In terms of actual size and accommodation there has not been a better family home available in Titirangi in recent times. Vote yes for your family.”
293A Titirangi Road in Titirangi, Auckland, will be sold at auction on April 21.
- Sponsored by Ray White
