Eden Terrace

BY CHARLOTTE COSSAR

A fashionable place to be, it is hard to keep up with the changes occurring in Eden Terrace. Once a run-down part of town with some dubious residents, the area is now a haven for 30-something professionals wanting to be close to the city's hub.

Martin Leach of Meo Realty says if Eden Terrace were in London it would be Notting Hill, in Sydney, Darlinghurst, and locally it is similar to Mt Victoria in Wellington.

Close to the central business district, the area is popular with those who enjoy a short stroll to work, or those who like the cosmopolitan makeup of the nearby shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Martin says a local resident of Eden Terrace for over 25 years, teacher Mark Duffin, always boasts that he lives but "one traffic light away from Queen St".

"Mark reiterates that the area's greatest attraction is its closeness to the city and that it is one part of Auckland where you can easily walk to work. He was captivated by the area's quaint, pretty streets with lots of trees and greenery, and despite the fact that it is in the heart of Auckland he loves its bohemian, arty, strong community feel."

Rich in history, the area, which is hard to define in terms of its boundaries, has an interesting past and present. Especially Mt Eden Prison, built by prisoners from bluestone in 1880s, which has won the area both criticism and praise since its construction.

Eden Terrace is often described as a suburb where Mt Eden ends and Kingsland begins. Martin says that even the borders where it meets both Newton and Grafton are blurred. "Broadly speaking, the area covers the streets between New North Rd, the North Western Motorway (which cuts through nearby Arch Hill), Newton Rd and Bond St."

A slightly cheaper neighbour to Grey Lynn and Ponsonby, this area is rapidly improving with many of its homes being renovated and other developments sprucing up this once dreary part of town.

Martin says the old Kiwi Bacon Factory on New North Rd has been transformed into offices and apartments. "This will bring more people into the area. Already new cafes are springing up along New North Rd to cater for the changing and improving neighbourhood, and it is no longer necessary to wander along to Kingsland's cafes for a decent latte."

With a population of 1413, at the last Statistics New Zealand count, this centrally located area is brimming with character and charm.

WHO LIVES HERE?

Eden Terrace has a mix of residents, from renters and blue-collar workers to professionals. Martin says all the residents reside happily side by side. "Well-known past residents have included artist Emere Karaka (Bright St) who has paintings in many galleries around the world, while the Topp Twins were a colourful sight down in Mostyn St."

It is also popular with the commercial sector, because of its city fringe location and the easy access to motorways.

HOUSE PRICES

Made up of mainly old Victorian villas and cottages with the odd 1930s to 1950s Californian bungalow and modern townhouse thrown into the mix, the area caters for the needs of most residents. Prices range from $180,000 to $350,000 for apartments, to $280,000 to $550,000 for two- to four-bedroom houses. Although there are a few do-ups in the area, most of the older homes have been renovated - getting these for a bargain is rare.

The popular streets in the area are Aitken Tce for its views, Haslett St and Bright St. However, Mostyn St has appeal because of its cherry trees.