15 Rangitoto Ave , Remuera, which was owned by elderly couple Brian and Beth Frankham who died and didn't have any children. Photo / Supplied
15 Rangitoto Ave , Remuera, which was owned by elderly couple Brian and Beth Frankham who died and didn't have any children. Photo / Supplied
A couple who quietly donated to charity throughout their lives have done the same in death - and bequeathed proceeds from the sale of their Remuera home to those in need.
All proceeds from the upcoming sale of Brian and Beth Frankham's character home on Rangitoto Avenue in the prestigious double grammar zone will go to the Neurological Foundation and Presbyterian Support Northern.
Beth, who passed away in 2008, and Brian, who passed away this year, had no children but doted on many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Great nephew Paul Olsen and his wife Catherine said no one knew of their aunt and uncle's generous gift apart from the lawyer.
"They were always donating, even when they didn't have a lot themselves, so it's no surprise," Catherine Olsen said.
She said the two charities were close to the family's hearts.
"Presbyterian Support gave Brian a lot of assistance after Beth passed away and there are other people in our immediate family who have vascular dementia and alzheimers," Catherine Olsen said.
"As a family we are determined to get the best possible price for Beth and Brian's house so that we can make sure the beneficiaries get the maximum benefit."
The Frankhams were longstanding members of the National Party, with Brian the treasurer and Beth the secretary of the Remuera branch.
They were dedicated to the local community with a special focus on vulnerable women and children and gave support and money to IHC, Plunket and Women's Refuge.
Neurological Foundation executive director Max Ritchie said the organisation was deeply grateful to the Frankhams and their extended family.
"Mr Frankham was a loyal supporter of the Neurological Foundation and brain research over many years, and this most generous legacy will greatly contribute to securing the future funding of neurological research in New Zealand," he said.
Brian and Beth Frankham owned 15 Rangitoto Ave , Remuera. Photo / Supplied
Rod Watts from Presbyterian Support said bequests were used for special initiatives rather than for operational costs.
"We help a lot of vulnerable people in our community which we would not be able to do without generous bequests like this," he said.
The Frankhams, who were married for 55 years, bought the two-storey weatherboard home before they wed and spent the rest of their lives there.
They hosted Christmas parties and birthdays and nieces and nephews often stayed in the weekends.
The 1913 house, which sits on a level 1004sq m corner site, will go to auction on August 25 through Bayleys' Remuera office. The house has a council valuation of $1.56 million but free sales and valuation website Homes.co.nz estimates its current value at upwards of $2m.
Bayleys agent Jude Finch said there had already been a lot of interest in the character home.
"We have already had viewings from interested parties with their builders and architects in tow.
"The home could be added to, and the magnificent lawn space could be landscaped as part of a wonderful family residence."
Finch said representatives from Presbyterian Support Northern and the Neurological Foundation had been invited to the auction.To view, go to bayleys.co.nz and enter listing number 1750869.
