Herne Bay: Lost in space

A rambling villa with a large section has proved a great place to bring up kids, writes Ellie Martel.

215 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay

Even with the huge old villa, there is still room to build a swimming pool on this section. It is unusually large for Herne Bay, and has served as a wonderful playground for Louise Baird's and Andrew Copeland's children.

"There's a tree hut, and when it's summer the children can sit up there and watch people go by and no one can see them up there," Louise Baird says.

"It's a very strong community. The kids all play together. They all bike their bikes up and down."

Another tree has made a vertical racetrack for the girls and their friends. Sometimes Louise looks out and sees the neighbourhood's children hanging off branches like Christmas decorations.

A double garage, fitted with one of the stained glass windows from the house, is next to a right of way so consent could be sought to build upwards without infringing neighbours' privacy.

The property's own privacy is created by hedging and fences to contain the children and family dog, Tilly.

Between house and garden is a deck, spreading out from the kitchen for easy outdoor dinner parties or a playground for little children who can easily be supervised from inside.

The kitchen itself is large enough for children to do homework or art around a central table, without worrying about mess. And it doesn't matter if guests or family congregate - there is room for everyone.

Through the door lies the family living area and dining room which has its own fireplace and large, stained glass windows. "All the stained glass in the lounge and the little pink and red one in the bedroom catch the sun in the morning."

One room beyond is a sitting room, again with its own, well-used fireplace. Both rooms are bathed in sun during the day, as they face northwest.

Louise says friends at her parties tend to gather in the living area, and the children go off into the secluded sitting room.

The three bedrooms are roomy, with original features left intact, such as the lattice work in the master bedroom. The two bathrooms have also been left with the original, charming tiles throughout.

"One of the things that appealed to us is that it hasn't been hugely mucked around with. People over the years must have been quite thoughtful with it."

The house's remarkable hidden feature, Louise says, is the massive roof space, as big as the living area and as high.

"We've been here eight years, and we've really enjoyed it. We're so handy to everything here."

Her daughter's school, Bayfield Primary, is so close you can hear the school bell. Xanthe can run out of the door and be in her classroom within minutes.

"Xanthe was even born here. We didn't make it to the hospital in time."

The street is quiet and safe, and the fenced property is easy to watch from the kitchen.

Now, the family is moving a short distance to Point Chevalier and a home with access to the water, so Andrew can more easily indulge his passion, sailing.

Vital Statistics

SIZE: Land 950sq m. House 200sq m.

PRICE: Interest expected above $1.5 million. Tender closes 4pm July 25.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1pm-2pm, or by appointment.

AGENTS: Patrick McCarthy 027 2333 988, Andrea Bell-Ritchie 021 906 793, Bayleys.

FEATURES: Indoor-outdoor flow, polished wood floors, large living areas, unusually large section. Impressive stained glass, original tiling and decorative features, large kitchen, two open fires, privacy, landscaped garden, close to good schools and childcare, stroll to Westhaven marina.