The de Heer family have been ensconced here for well over double Auckland’s seven-ish year average, but that hardly raises eyebrows in the leafy idyll of Gladwin Road, Epsom.
Jenny de Heer says: “We bought here 19 years ago but this is the sort of street in which plenty of people have owned properties for longer than that.
“Properties here can’t be subdivided and ours is on 815sqm of level land. It’s a spacious home flowing out to a north-facing, private backyard with a swimming pool, very handy to Cornwall Park, making it ideal for long-term family living.”
They’d previously outgrown a home in Hollywood Avenue, Epsom and had plans drawn up to extend. Then Jenny and husband Pete spotted this property for sale which already had everything their busy family of five wanted, without immediate renovation.
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They won its 2006 tender, joining the close community they nickname ‘Glewin Road’ because of close ties between residents of Gladwin and intersecting Lewin Road.
24 Gladwin Road in Epsom, Auckland, is on the market for sale by way of auction on March 5. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $3.125 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 2006 for $1.15m.
Jenny says: “Families who know their children will go to private schools can buy a property around here offering everything they want, rather than a double grammar-zoned one with compromises.
“We loved early evening picnics in Cornwall Park, catching up with a group of parents while our children played together.
“The sense of community has been amazing. We joke about a resident who’s our much-appreciated self-appointed ‘sheriff’, asking anyone hanging around in unfamiliar vehicles what they’re up to.”
A kitchen designer designed the double-oven kitchen with large island, native timber floors, scullery and nearby laundry.
Homeowner Jenny de Heer says: “Properties here can’t be subdivided and ours is on 815sqm of level land.”
They understand this weatherboard home originated as a 1930s cottage. Previous owners extended upwards and to the rear in the 1990s, maintaining a somewhat classical exterior.
“On approach, people sometimes expect this home to be smaller than it is, but it’s a 324sqm layout.”
The de Heers’ major improvements included complete re-landscaping, which maintained a decent rear lawn while adding a (recently replastered) rear swimming pool and pool house incorporating a changing room, toilet and toolshed-man cave.
“We both had outdoor upbringings and wanted our children to spend lots of time outdoors, including running or walking in the park.”
Out front they added an oversized single garage with storage above and covered access to the front door, supplementing off-street parking. A lounge with built-in library shelving, media room, dining room, bathroom and office with direct outside access feed off a hallway with staircase.
A kitchen designer designed their double-oven kitchen with large island, native timber floors, scullery and nearby laundry. The rear kitchen-dining-family expanse flows out to connected decks, one uncovered, one covered and overlooking the pool. Having all five bedrooms upstairs meant visitors didn’t see the mixed success of early efforts encouraging the children to tidy their own rooms.
A lounge with built-in library shelving, media room, dining room, bathroom and office feed off a hallway with staircase.
The five-bedroom, three-bathroom property is close to top Auckland schools with convenient airport access and public transport to the CBD.
“I love our large ensuited master bedroom, which is a quiet retreat, away from all the bustle.”
The upstairs’ family bathroom and separate toilet complete the storage-rich layout.
They’re within walking distance to Royal Oak Primary School and close to top schools like Diocesan, St Cuthbert’s and Our Lady of Sacred Heart School. There’s convenient airport access and public transport to the CBD, with Greenwoods Corner, Newmarket and Royal Oak’s mall and facilities nearby.
Children grown, Jenny and Pete recarpeted and repainted the interior in 2023, anticipating taking myriad treasured family memories with them now they’re downsizing.
Ray White agent Steen Nielsen says: “This is a rare opportunity to secure a spacious, lovingly maintained, north-facing family home with exceptional indoor-outdoor living and modern upgrades throughout. It’s offered by motivated vendors.”
- 24 Gladwin Road in Epsom, Auckland, goes to auction on March 5
