A plum on the bay in Remuera

33 Burwood Cres, Remuera, Auckland. Photo / Getty Images

33 BURWOOD CRES REMUERA

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SIZE: Land 1315sq m, house 232sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Buyer interest anticipated to be upwards of $2.5 million. Auction on Tuesday (unless sold prior).

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 2.30-3.15pm or by appointment.

ON THE WEB: bayleys.co.nz/361577

SCHOOL ZONES: Victoria Avenue School, Remuera Intermediate, Epsom Girls' Grammar School, Auckland Boys' Grammar.

CONTACT: Jude Finch, Bayleys Remuera, ph (09) 520 8888 or 021 659 688.

FEATURES: Remuera waterfront property with a 1920s bungalow and northwest-facing views of Hobson Bay and Waitemata Harbour. One of the last largely undeveloped properties to become available in this sought-after street 10 minutes from the CBD.

Looking out over the sparkling waters of Hobson Bay and Waitemata Harbour, wartime Egypt would be the last topic on most people's minds. But New Zealand's World War II efforts in Egypt had a lot to do with the Gowan family securing a portion of this view they have held on to for some 60 years.

The sale of their Remuera address overlooking Hobson Bay is significant as it's one of the last largely undeveloped properties in the sought-after street, 10-minutes from the CBD.

NZ Army engineer Gerry Gowan met his Women's Auxiliary Army Corps bride-to-be, Paddy, on a troop ship going to Egypt during WWII. The uniformed women, affectionately known as Tuis, were being sent to staff the NZ Forces clubs which provided food and hostelries for Kiwis on leave from the warfare in the desert.

The couple married after the war, with good friends suggesting they move close to them in Burwood Cres when a property came up for sale.

Son Mike Gowan reflects: "I think my parents probably liked the view and being close to their war-time friends. And the fact it was a very quiet street with little traffic, good for bringing up children."

His late parents bought their 1920s bungalow with spectacular views over the Bay towards Parnell around 1950. Its land had been part of a grand home's grounds which were subdivided in 1912 into 36 allotments called Burwood Park Estate.

Mike and younger brother Danny grew up revelling in their coastal location, with a path (now overgrown) from their backyard down to the water. They walked to King's School in Remuera. They also enjoyed some rollicking parties.

"Oh, my parents were great entertainers. Perhaps that was as a result of the war and the fact that when they came back they wanted to make the most of life. My father was a big rugby fan and parties often coincided with the last rugby test of the season. And they always entertained on Anzac Day; everyone starting with whisky and milk, then attending the Dawn Parade then coming back here for breakfast."

Gerry and Paddy's 1960s renovations to the bungalow were its last significant ones. Gerry died relatively young and Paddy was intent on staying in their home, living there for nearly 40 more years. She died this year 10 days short of her 94th birthday.

Now Mike and UK-based Danny are selling their inheritance, realising future owners may choose to build again.

The timber bungalow with single garage sits towards the front of its 1315sq m site, creating a big backyard. The front veranda was closed in long ago to expand the house.

There are three bedrooms. The boys' shared room with matching built-in desks and wardrobes is particularly quaint in a street where multimillion CVs are plentiful.

The mid-century rear kitchen with breakfast nook overlooks the bay but the rear lounge with fireplace was Paddy's favourite place to admire the water, pohutukawa, Parnell and the Sky Tower. Completing this level are a second living room with fireplace and a bathroom and toilet.

Downstairs was developed in the 1960s, with a laundry/bathroom with a cracking view and a rumpus room where the boys often competed for pool-table supremacy.