In 2002, their ever-growing family prompted Charles and Louise to make a move across the bridge from Freemans Bay to Birkenhead Point and they haven’t looked back since.
As well as falling in love with the local neighbourhood, it was finding a solid concrete home that perfectly suited the requirements of themselves and their three young children that really sealed the deal.
“In the mid ‘90s it was turned from a two-bedroom cottage into a five-bedroom family home with great indoor-outdoor flow, which made it really easy to keep an eye on the kids,” says Charles.
The rich character and history also were also a drawcard. “The background is that it was located on the mayor of North Shore’s estate 100-odd years ago. This was his gardener’s cottage that overlooked Little Shoal Bay. It was built around the early 1920s in the Arts and Crafts style, with leadlights, beamed ceilings and little Art Deco features here and there from the period.”
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The three-level floorplan, with its clever separation, outdoor living spaces and saltwater pool complex, could not have worked better for the family over the years. Entry level is on the middle floor, where the open-plan living, dining and kitchen space flows directly out to the level lawns, cantilevered decks and pool – perfect for keeping an eye on the kids from the kitchen.
Separate to this is a large formal lounge and annexed dining room with a wood burner. This flows out to another deck off the other side of the house, providing options for an alfresco spot to enjoy, no matter the weather or time of day.
The three-bedroom children’s wing is also located on this level.
“The kids were very young when we first moved in so they all had their own room, they were far enough away but close enough too. Our area is upstairs by itself, with a bedroom, walk-in wardrobe and bathroom. It has great views over the city into Little Shoal Bay and around to Rangitoto.
While the home has expanded from a gardener’s cottage 100 years ago to a current large family residence, the view overlooking Little Shoal Bay remains the same.
The large formal lounge with a wood burner.
“Downstairs has a bedroom and bathroom and has been the guest suite – grandparents could stay here and be removed from hoopla going on upstairs.”
This also became a highly coveted space over time. “As the kids grew up, the eldest moved down there as it’s got its own separate entrance.”
The outdoor living is incredibly private, thanks to the mature landscaping that envelops it. “We’ve got neighbours all around but you wouldn’t know it.
“The huge area of bush out front eventually leads down Little Shoal Bay and there is good fencing and tall hedges around the property, which bring in all the native birds.”
While there is off-street parking for five cars – including the generous double carport – the area is incredibly well-connected to local landmarks and transport.
“We’re halfway up Maritime Terrace, so just down the hill are Little Shoal Bay and Reserve. We called it our second garden. Birkenhead shops are a 10-minute walk, as is the Birkenhead Ferry, and it’s just a six or seven-minute walk up to what we think are some of the best restaurants in Auckland – Moxie, Uno and Duo.
“It’s also a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk to The Engine Room and Bridgeway Cinema.”
The open-plan living, dining and kitchen space flows out to the level lawns, cantilevered decks and pool.
The three-level, 240sqm residence on a 810sqm section has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, garaging for two vehicles with off-street parking.
The couple’s meticulous upkeep means that the lucky new family can simply walk in, unpack and enjoy.
“The hard work has been done and we have maintained it incredibly well. As well as adding the pool and the decking, we’ve installed comforts like DVS.
“We’ve also changed some of the flooring and upgraded the bathrooms to keep up to trend, and we replaced the mid-90s kitchen with a 21st century one. It has stainless steel benches and great storage, it’s a dream to work in.”
They’re now heading to Mangawhai to start a new chapter.
“It’s been great but the three kids have basically all gone now. It was perfect for the five of us, we’ve thoroughly loved living here.”
19 Maritime Terrace in Birkenhead, North Shore, Auckland, is on the market for sale and goes to auction on March 27.
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