New custodian wanted for majestic Akl home

A majestic Auckland homestead that has stood through 139 years to witness numerous weddings, glittering spectacles and special family moments is in need of a new custodian.

Tender for the historic 9-bedroom property, nestled in amongst a lush canopy of greenery, at 99 Western Springs Road, closes on June 15.

Bridget, 52, and Joseph Jackovich, 56, had decided to sell their family home of almost ten years, as their children grew up and moved into homes of their own.

She had many cherished memories of the grand estate that came complete with a guest house, large pool and spa, saloon-style pub and nine ensuites.

"We got married on the stairs, blessed by our father...had friend's weddings, pre-ball parties and did a lot of corporate entertaining."

She said they'd bought the house for their big blended "Brady bunch" family - and at its peak had 10 people living in the house.

"It's been a home, but has also been a way for us to entertain in our home, in a real family, historic setting."

Jackovich said the house was close to many of the area's amenities, Motat, Eden's Park and just a "lion's roar" away from the zoo.

"It's a place big enough to do business be a destination, but an awesome family home, an amazing feel about it and panoramic views and wrapped up in trees."

Jackovich said the estate, which sat on a spacious 2147sqm of land, offered its new owners the flexibility to turn it into their family home, or to transform it into a luxury home-away-from home for guests to the city.

Bridget Jakicevich outside the heritage home. Photo / Nick Reed

Property records showed the couple bought the house in 2008 for $2.3m - today it has a capital valuation of $3.55m.

However, Jackovich said it was tough to put a price on the property - which was more than just a building, but a part of Auckland's history.

She said the estate, built in 1878 by one of the city's early settlers, Scotsman William Motion, boasts of a long history in its picturesque spot.

Motion, had bought Western Springs in the early-mid 1800s before it was taken over as the city's water supply.

When he sold the land, he moved just up the road and built the majestic estate and lived in it till his death in 1893.

In the mid-1980s it was owned by successful businessman Ray Mills who was well-known in the city even before he made front page news when he was kidnapped in 1994.

He was found two days later with injuries that led to the loss of one eye.

In the 2000s it was run as a boutique bed and breakfast called Hastingshall - during this time Jackovich said many guests passed through its halls, there were many weddings and functions of up to 50 people.

The heritage home is for sale at 99 Western Springs Road, Auckland. Photo / Nick Reed

The Jackovich couple took ownership in 2008 and transformed it into their family home.

But Bridget Jackovich said, with only three teenagers left at home, it was time to move on.

"It's just too big for us, it's time for new custodians to pour love into it."

The property is being sold by Barfoot and Thompson agents Carl Madsen and Luke Dallow.