Cheltenham: Family berth

63 Tainui Road, Cheltenham.

A timely drive-by helped a family into a home where the kids could grow up, writes Adam Gifford.

Libby Darroch first saw the old harbourmaster's residence in Cheltenham 11 years ago, when she and husband Peter were looking around Devonport for new homes sparked by a job shift to the North Shore. 

"I said: 'That is the only house I would live in in Devonport'," recalls Libby. "When we drove back the other way, we spotted a 'For sale' sign which had been hidden by a tree." 

According to an architectural drawing which came with the house, the two-storey wooden building was designed by architects Henry and Morran for AWM Bulloch in 1911. 

The house was solidly built but slightly scruffy. Libby and Peter did a basic renovation, including stripping off the carpets and sanding and staining the floor, but left the fabric of the house intact. 

Walking in, it feels bigger than its 180sq m. The high stud and generous proportions give it the feel of a mini-mansion. 

"It has been gorgeous to live in, and there are great views," says Libby. 

As befits the profession of its first owner, the house is set on a knoll with a view towards Rangitoto, so the harbourmaster could spot any ships coming in. It is less than 100m from Cheltenham Beach. 

"When we moved here, Gretel was 6 months old and Ben was 3. They spent most of their time bobbing in the water, so the beach was their playground," says Libby. 

Now the kids are entering their teens and prefer beaches with a bit more surf. The Darrochs built a pool in the back yard that could suit a busier lifestyle. 

The front yard was also given a going over, with the lawn raised and a screen of tropical trees planted along the front for privacy. 

Because of its elevation and the screening, the house is surprisingly private. 

Downstairs the kitchen is original, but has served the needs of the growing family well. The dining room opens into a living room with its original tiled fireplace. French doors also open the dining room to a well used deck. 

"This part of the house is where we live," says Libby. "The indoor-outdoor thing works very well." 

A new set of broad steps leads down to the front lawn.Upstairs are three large bedrooms and the main bathroom, still with its original cast iron bath. The best feature of the top storey must be the broad balcony running across the front of the house, accessed through French doors from the two front bedrooms. 

"It gets extremely warm up here," says Libby. "If you get too hot, you can always head back to the beach or out to the pool." 

The Darrochs are moving to the country, somewhere their daughter can keep a pony close by. 

Vital Statistics: 

BEDROOMS: 3 

BATHROOMS: 2 

No Garage. 

SIZE: Land 579sq m, house 180sq m. 

PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected above $1.5 million. Tenders close 
April 13. 

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 2-2.45pm. 

CONTACT: Gary Potter, Harcourts, ph 445 4005, 027 445 3027. 

FEATURES: A harbour master's residence built in 1911. Many original features, plus a new pool and spa. North-facing, 100m to Cheltenham beach.