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.
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.
