SCHOOL ZONES:
Mellons Bay Primary, Macleans College.
CONTACT:
Thomas Weber, Barfoot & Thompson, 021 677 608.
AUCTION:
May 31, 10am, 34 Shortland St (unless sold prior).
When John Considine is in his front garden around drop-off or pick-up time at popular Mellons Bay Primary School, parents often stop and ask if he'd consider selling his attractive brick and tile house. Up until now, the answer has always been 'no'.
"It was a hard decision to putit on the market," says John, who bought the property around 20 years ago - at much the same time as he met wife Suzanne, an architectural consultant.
"I was living nearby at the time in a house that had sea views but very distant ones. I knew the owners of this place and when it came up for sale I snapped it up quickly.
"Here, we're just 300 metres from the beach and being a family of keen boaties that was an important consideration, says John, who kept a launch at nearby Pine Harbour for over eight years.
"Over the time we've been here we have gutted and rebuilt it, turning it from a somewhat tired house into something really special."
John is a veteran of the construction industry - bringing all his skills to bear here, and it shows.
Impeccably maintained, this is a light, bright home with three double bedrooms, separate toilet and family bathroom, and an en suite and walk-in wardrobe in the master.
The kitchen has wonderful views to a two-level garden at the rear. Packed full of native plants and trees, it's a youngster's wonderland perfect for playing hide and seek.
The elevated deck is another special feature - when you sit on it you're essentially floating on top of the garden and what's more, it's incredibly private.
"Nobody in any of the neighbouring houses can see or hear you - unless it's a very noisy party," says John.
119 Mellons Bay Rd, Howick. Photo / Ted Baghurst
While all of this is impressive, the house also contains a number of surprise features, one of which is the top floor lounge with extensive views to Rangitoto and other islands.
It's an absolute sun-trap and is John and Suzanne's favourite place to relax with a book and a coffee in the middle of winter.
Downstairs to the side of the fully-carpeted triple garage is an enormous bonus space that could be used for a rumpus, a gym, home office or any number of other options. The laundry, too, is generous with lots of cupboards for storage.
119 Mellons Bay Rd, Howick. Photo / Ted Baghurst
And if that's not enough, under the house is a big workshop - John's man-cave.
Not to be outdone, Suzanne has her woman cave. It's an extra outside room where the couple once had a spa pool.
"She gets the girls over and they all sit out there having a drink and a chat," he says.
When there's shopping to be done, Howick Village is an easy 10-minute stroll away and there are numerous walks to and from the surrounding beaches.
119 Mellons Bay Rd, Howick. Photo / Ted Baghurst
The house is in zone for Macleans College, too, making it all the more ideal for a family.
Neutral decor throughout enhances a quiet, tranquil atmosphere and while some aspects are nearly ready for modernising, it could essentially be a cosmetic job, as the layout and fundamental features all work well.
John and Suzanne don't quite know what they're going to do next but they have loads of options, with children overseas who'd love to see them.
