Mt Albert boarding house steeped in history sells for $2.87 million

The grand old house in Alexis Ave.

A historic boarding house that was originally built for Auckland's first European son has been sold under the hammer for $2.87 million.

The sprawling 31-room property was built in the 1870s and is known locally as the Grand Kauri Mansion. It also operated as a Methodist-run orphanage.

The new owner is understood to be a New Zealand resident who bought it by auction phone bid this month while holidaying in Bangladesh. He plans to maintain the home as a commercial boarding house.

Mt Albert Boarding House offers long-term accommodation for tenants. It is located at 4 Alexis Ave and sits on nearly 2000sq m of freehold land and landscaped gardens.

The property has a CV of $2.15 million and consists of a main weatherboard house of 455sq m - previously know as Epworth House - with two smaller accommodation units measuring 74sq m and 47sq m that were once used as servants' quarters and stables respectively.

The grand old house features original period details, including brick fireplaces and chimneys, leadlight windows, ornate verandas and ceilings.

It has been upgraded in recent years, is listed as a Category B historic building and also comes with parking for 12 vehicles.

The current owner is listed on QV records as ABBS Property International Ltd and the boarding house is running at near 100 per cent occupancy.

The property was also once known as Stoneleigh homestead, having been built for Charles Burrell Stone, who is believed to have been the first European boy born in Auckland. His birth certificate was certified by the "father of Auckland", Sir John Logan Campbell.

Stone went on to become a wealthy farmer and prominent local body politician, serving on the Auckland Harbour Board and Mount Albert Board.

The homestead was purchased by the Methodist Church in 1922 and renamed Epworth House. It operated as a church-run orphanage until 1936.

Bayleys agent Duncan Ritchie marketed the property as an operating guest house or with the potential for conversion to a boutique hotel or grand family home.

"Situated in an elevated position with a northwestern aspect, the house, on a substantial site, enjoys views to the water, city skyline and the Waitakere Ranges," the listing ad says.