Onehunga: Don't go changing

A couple had great plans for updating a bungalow before realising they loved it the way it was.

57 Quadrant Road, Onehunga

Simon Norton and Lynley Ruck wrote out a fairly long "to do" list when they bought their home four years ago.

The bungalow, which had been built for a prominent Onehunga couple in 1930, was still pretty much in original condition, and although that was what made them love it so much, there were a number of things they thought they should alter.

But after living in the house for a while Simon and Lynley decided they couldn't bring themselves to change very much at all.

"It's just such a unique and well-preserved house, we didn't want to do anything that might spoil it," says Lynley. "I was definitely going to paint over the wallpaper in the kitchen and even got lots of test pots but in the end I just couldn't do it."

So they've kept the original carpets, the flocked wallpaper, the tongue-and-groove walls in several rooms. They did have the exterior painted, resurfaced the old clawfoot bath and put a solar tube in the kitchen to add more light, but otherwise the house is still much the same as it was 70-odd years ago.

The home is testament to the skill and artistry of craftsmen of the time. It features extensive oak and cedar paneling and cabinetry throughout, all made with exquisite attention to detail. All the woodwork, including arts and crafts-style cabinets in the living room, two-way cupboards and drawers between the formal dining and library and the cupboards in the kitchen, is in immaculate condition.

Other original features include light fittings, servants' bells and stunning leadlights in many rooms, including stylish leadlight French doors that open out from the master bedroom to the mosaic-tiled entry porch.

The house was built for local businessman Robert Buchanan and his wife Euphemia, who spent much of their time supporting local organisations, from the Onehunga Plunket Society to the Onehunga Senior Citizens Service Club. They also set up a leadership trust for children at local schools.

"They didn't have any children themselves, which probably explains why the house is still in such good condition," laughs Lynley.

She and Simon have five children between them, and the sprawling house has been perfect for a large, blended family. "There's so much room, everyone can spread out throughout the house and there's a corner for everyone to curl up in."

The main living area is divided into three distinct spaces, including one for formal dining. The library/TV room is a cosy place to read a book or watch a film and there's a sunroom which is flooded with sun in the afternoons.

The informal dining room at the back of the house has bifold windows opening out to the garden and looks out on a wall of trees - including puriri and pohutukawa - which guarantee privacy. The kitchen, with its original white glossy tiles and Italian marble bench top, is a delight to work in, says self-confessed foodie Lynley. One of the few modern pieces in the house, a 900mm Ilve oven, has pride of place in here.

The rooms are all of grand proportions, especially the oversized bathroom, and there's ample storage in nearly every room, with plenty of built-in cupboards and window seats.

Just two of the children will be living at home from next year, so Lynley and Simon have decided to downsize. "We've loved living here - it has been a real privilege to have such a special home," says Lynley. "Now it's time to pass it on to someone else, and we just hope the new owners really appreciate what they are getting."

Vital Statistics

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 1

GARAGE: 2

SIZE: Land 1343sq m, house 350sqm.

PRICE INDICATION: Comparable properties in the area have sold for between $800,000 and $1.1m. Auction November 9.

CONTACT: Robert and Philip Hall, Ray White, ph 525 2600 bus, 0274 888 249 mob.

INSPECT: Sun 2.15-3pm, Wed 5.30-6pm.

FEATURES: Grand 1930 bungalow on large section, views of the Manukau Harbour, huge living area including formal dining, informal dining, sunroom, study, library/TV room, central heating, four fireplaces, downstairs laundry with dumb waiter, double garage, spa and sauna room.