SCHOOL ZONES:
Cornwall Park Primary, Remuera Intermediate, double Grammar
CONTACT:
Tanya Kwasza, Ray White, ph 021 593 939.
Not only do Phil and Marion have a landscaped garden and sheltered deck for entertaining at home, they also have Cornwall Park at their disposal -- simply by walking along a private path to the green, open space.
The couple and their children, Quinn and Monique, have enjoyed the convenience of living in what is essentially a small community in this part of Greenlane.
Phil bought the house two decades ago, attracted by the way it was landscaped, its mature gardens and rock walls -- private and fenced. The first time he tried to buy the house the owner accepted a higher offer. A year later, it was back on the market, and Phil successfully negotiated the purchase.
"It's a very easy, practical, easy home to live in," he says.
Five years later, Marion moved in with Phil. She recalls how surprised she was to discover there was such a community feeling in this part of Greenlane, especially as it is so close to busy Great South Rd.
The children could walk to Cornwall Park Primary -- "Two minutes max," says Quinn, and St Cuthbert's, Diocesan and Kings are all close. Through Cornwall Park having such a small catchment area, and the children also having gone to kindy, the family has come to know other families in practically every third house around the area.
"There is a good walking school bus and a good PTA," says Marion.
There is a choice of kindergartens all within walking range and Marion's home was a popular gathering place for her antenatal coffee group. The family could walk to the park to play and for birthday party gatherings, to tennis, swimming lessons and martial art classes. Most mornings Phil would go for a walk around One Tree Hill.
"This has been a real family home for us," says Marion. "We used to have a swing and jungle gym out the front, a flying fox at the back."
They also got on well with neighbours who let the family use their swimming pools.
Image 1 of 5: Bungalows have earned praise for their appealing dimensions and details, ornate windows in particular
Their modernised weatherboard and shingle bungalow is set back from the road with the gated driveway, bordered by star jasmine, giant honeysuckle and palms, leading to the double garage with a workshop Phil hewed from solid rock. There's also a double bedroom and bathroom on this basement level beside the stairs leading to the main living area. The driveway also has space for four cars.
The front veranda's attractive door with stained glass and leadlight windows opens to the hallway. There is one bedroom on the left at the front, the lounge on the right, then the master bedroom and en suite on the left as you head to the kitchen and breakfast bar. There's an office on the right and steps down to the dining and a bedroom plus another bathroom. French doors open to the back yard with its private deck plus more sheltered seating.
Phil and Marion have painted inside and out, with interior walls in Resene Black White. They imagine new owners might want to modernise the kitchen and bathrooms.
They have bought land and built another house at Scotts Landing, heading there whenever the weekend or longer holiday breaks arrive. The plan is to sell this home and buy a smaller city base for the school and working week.
"This has been our family home. Our kids were born here and it's been a great entertaining home," says Marion. "Phil's mother and my mother would also come and stay in the downstairs bedroom. But now our focus is up north.
"We are sad to go, but this home deserves more congregations, more parties, someone who fully uses it."
