Western Springs: Love at first sight

Betty and Charles have restored the house in traditional villa style.

A twist of fate brought a woman to the home of her dreams, writes Penny Lewis
4 Springfield Rd, Western Springs

Betty Atkin-Cook was so excited when she first saw her house-to-be in Western Springs that she ran through the rooms in delight even before the real estate agent had made it to the front door.

That was 30 years ago, and even though the house was derelict, she says it was perfect.

Betty and her family had moved down to Auckland from a farm a few years before. They intended settling in Howick, "but we found it was all either huge mansions or small bachs, so we moved to Panmure instead," Betty recalls.

They spent nine years in Panmure, but Betty felt restless and says she always had the urge to keep looking for the house she'd dreamed about when she was 12 years old.

The day she found her house, she was out with an agent who asked her if she wouldn't mind stopping by to see it as he hadn't been through it yet. "We drove around the corner and when I saw it, my heart went boom! I thought 'Is this my house? Is this my house? Please tell me it is!"' Even though the house was on a lean, it was exactly the dream home she'd always imagined and she said she'd take it. It cost $10,000, which was an exceptionally low price at the time because of the work needed to make it liveable.

Betty, her husband, one daughter and foster daughters moved in and began renovations lasting 12 years. Now a comfortable and charming family home with traditional-style decor, the 1908 double bay villa had seen better days 30 years ago, when squatters had dossed down with scant regard for the paintwork.

"My Uncle Waldo said we'd bought in the slums, but everything around here was being rejuvenated then. He would have been so proud if he'd lived to see what we'd done with it," Betty says. She sourced exquisite kauri facings and joinery from a local house to match existing timber. There's even kauri sarking behind the plaster board walls. "It's a very warm house, especially given its size," Betty says.

One Easter, a couple of years after moving in, Betty says all she could hear in the neighbourhood was the sound of home handymen wielding hammers and saws.

"I decided to walk down the street and ask everyone I could hear around for a barbecue. And they came!" Betty speculates that Western Springs' great sense of community comes from its location. It's like an island, bordered by the north-western motorway, Fowlds Park, Chamberlain Park golf course, Auckland Zoo and Motat.

Over the years, Betty has had plenty of people stay, including overseas students, and the house has been a busy venue for 21st birthdays and several weddings. Even the grand-daughter of the original owners, Mr and Mrs Dick, was married there.

Betty also entertained the Dicks' daughters, who were ladies in their 80s, with a traditional high tea. "They went around the house like excited children, rattling door knobs and reminiscing."

Betty has put her heart and soul into the garden, which is spread over a spacious 969sq m section. A paved entertaining area behind the house is a prime spot where Betty and husband Charles Cook entertain during the summer.

With five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a self-contained sleep-out, the house is perfect for a family. Betty and Charles are moving to Mangawhai, to a smaller house with a garden to tame. It's been an emotional decision.

"I love this house to death. I've shed a few tears and have been walking around, stroking the walls," Betty admits.

"But it's time for a new life, a new step."

Vital Statistics

SIZE: Land 969sq m, house 188sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Similar properties in the area have sold for $870,000 to $1.1 million.

INSPECT: Saturday/Sunday 4-4.45pm. Auction May 22, 5pm.

CONTACT: Lesley Hawes, Ray White Mt Albert, phone 021 482 799.

FEATURES: Landmark 1908 double bay villa, paved outdoor entertaining area, large sunny section, beautiful garden, self-contained sleep-out, restored kauri detailing and decorated in traditional villa style. Single garage with off-street parking for 4 cars.