SCHOOL ZONES:
Rangitoto College, Browns Bay Primary.
CONTACT:
Karen Asquith, Bayleys, 027 529 2049.
AUCTION:
March 12.
In 1978, ayoung British couple, Paul and Enid Asquith, seeking a new life for themselves and their two children on the other side of the world, considered all sorts of possibilities in the Auckland region, where Paul had been appointed to a management position in the army.
They looked at lifestyle blocks, clifftop dwellings and properties with deep anchor moorings before stumbling upon what was then a fairly new weatherboard and Fibrelite home (at just 8 years old) beside a reserve and playground and just steps from the beach at Rothesay Bay.
"We were still learning the local terms for describing property and we thought decks belonged on a boat," says Enid. "But having found this house, we've spent a great deal of the last 36 years on our very own land-locked deck.
"In summer, we often eat all three meals out there -- except when it's raining, or simply too hot."
Although many more homes have sprung up around them, the idyllic beach views remain and there are still many trees.
Enid, a well-regarded amateur botanist whose passion was born in the English woods among bluebells, snowdrops and mayflowers, and grew to include New Zealand's natural treasures -- especially our mosses and lichens, isn't as mobile as she used to be.
"I never tire of the view. It changes all the time and during a storm it's just as beautiful as when the sun is shining."
The house's upper level has a large living room with huge picture windows, tidy open-plan kitchen and a sunny dining area. The master bedroom has sea views and ample wardrobe space. There's another double bedroom here and a small study.
Image 1 of 5: This beach pad offers options galore, starting with a self-contained ground floor, writes Louise Richardson
The bathroom, shower, toilet and laundry are all separate and there's potential to reconfigure this part of the house.
"It's well-insulated, with oil-fuelled central heating. Everything is solid and well-built," says Paul.
The ground floor is self-contained with both internal and external access. It features two double bedrooms, a bathroom complete with delightful, original 1970s wallpaper and a living area with a combined kitchenette.
Paul says that various family members have lived down here over the years.
"When my son was in residence he did most of his cooking on the barbecue just outside the door, on his own private deck," he says. "And, of course, you could rent it out."
Paul and Enid's home also has a flower and vegetable garden, spa pool, offstreet parking for a boat and an internal garage/workshop.
The couple describe their neighbours as "the best you could wish for".
"When we first arrived I used to organise bonfires on the beach for Guy Fawkes' night, with pies, peas and beer," says Yorkshire-born Paul.
Nowadays, the annual tradition is a barbecue and communal fireworks display.
"We have a neighbour who's in a choir and they all sing here at Christmas, and my Rotary Club has their picnic at the reserve next door."
