Four years ago, Gabrielle and Chris Nooijen were driving around to look at houses. They were renting in Royal Oak, but drove up Rahiri Rd and were impressed. Number 17a wasn't officially on the market, but they were able to take a sneak peek. "We both liked the look of it, and it's not that common for us to both like a style of home," Gabrielle jokes.
She loved the home's street presence. "I love black houses," says Gabrielle, of the dark-stained Canadian cedar house that was built in the 1930s. "I loved its character -- the columns at the front, the brass fittings and how sturdy it seemed inside."
Rahiri Rd also appealed -- a no-exit street in double-grammar zone that gets little traffic. Number 17a's elevated position on the high side of the street also gives it panoramic views, from Mt Albert, to the upper harbour and Waitakeres, Mt Eden and Rangitoto.
Behind a double carport, the entrance to the house is up a sweep of red brick steps -- with an entry porch at the top that has the view of Rangitoto. The front door opens on to the timber-floored upper level, where bedrooms for children William, 9, and Ingrid, four, are to the left. The master bedroom and its en suite are to the right, as are the living room and open-plan dining area and kitchen. There's also an elegant family bathroom with a bath and walk-in tiled shower, which has no glass screen to clean. "It's so easy. The kids just head straight into it," Gabrielle says.
