Saras and Mam are just the third owners of their solidly built, classic and timeless Lockwood home in the desirable South Auckland suburb of Goodwood Heights.
“We bought it around 2005 and although the previous owner had allowed it to become very run-down, I fell in love with the beautiful deck and the garden right away. I’d worked at an architect’s office in Fiji, and I knew that Lockwood homes were very good,” says Saras.
“So, we just went for it and then spent a large amount of money doing the house up to our own very high standards, and we have looked after it extremely carefully ever since.”
While the area is quite built up now, 20 years ago it was still an emerging neighbourhood surrounded by fields and cows, Saras remembers, and she says that this very peaceful aspect was one of the property’s attractions, along with eye-catching views of Manukau Harbour.
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“And the landscaping was perfect too,” she adds.
20 Goodwood Drive in Goodwood Heights, Manukau, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on August 28. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom property has a 2021 CV of $1.225 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 2005 for $460,000.
Saras and Mam’s many improvements to the home included adding a fabulous entertainers’ kitchen which enjoys quality appliances, a double oven, plenty of bench space and pleasant garden vistas for dish washers at the sink to enjoy.
The five-bedroom, three-bathroom Lockwood home was built in 1989 when Goodwood Heights, in South Auckland, was still an emerging neighbourhood surrounded by fields and cows.
One of the homeowners says: “I’d worked at an architect’s office in Fiji, and I knew that Lockwood homes were very good.”
The surrounding dining and living spaces are very extensive with Lockwood’s signature tongue and groove panelling. The main level is also home to two double bedrooms, a family bathroom and separate laundry along with the master bedroom and bathrooms that are full of cupboards for extra storage.
Downstairs lie a further two bedrooms and a huge family room – as well as a bathroom.
Saras says that this part of the house has been let to boarders for many years.
“There is a kitchenette and laundry in the garage, that they are able to use.”
The double garage itself provides a huge amount of secure storage space and there is also a lovely light-filled entrance foyer on this level.
The dining and living spaces are very extensive with Lockwood’s signature tongue and groove panelling.
The entertainers’ kitchen has quality appliances, a double oven, plenty of bench space and pleasant garden vistas from the sink.
Saras and Mam are approaching retirement age and feel that now is the time to embrace smaller-scale living, but they love their handy Goodwood Drive location and will be sad to leave it.
“We have really lovely neighbours – some of whom have been here even longer than us,” says Saras.
While she’ll miss the house in general, she also knows that the huge deck and the elevated beauty of the back yard is unlikely to be replicated elsewhere.
“When the right buyer comes in the door and realises how much money and effort we have put into it, they will know what a great opportunity they have found.”
Jaideep Singh, for Barfoot and Thompson, is marketing the property and says that it has been extremely popular, with many groups through the open homes.
“It’s really a character house and it’s in such a good location with amazing views. People have been loving it – I think you need to see it to truly appreciate it.”
- 20 Goodwood Drive in Goodwood Heights, Manukau, Auckland, is for sale by auction on August 28
