KEY POINTS:
29 BAGLEY STREET, HILLSBOROUGH.
For more than half a century John and Audrey Irvine have had their own patch of paradise in a peaceful corner of Auckland.
Their property by the water's edge in Hillsborough has uninterrupted views across the Manukau harbour and is a serene haven, despite being a short drive from a motorway and main road.
Yet when they first bought the land 54 years ago, people told them they were mad.
"It was a long way from the city and the roads were terrible," remembers Audrey. "We couldn't get the phone on for five years."
"The section was covered in gorse and blackberries, which all had to be cleared," adds John.
But the pair - then newlyweds - thought it was ideal. They were able to buy the land thanks to a suspensory loan from the government, which John was entitled to because he'd served in the Air Force in World War II.
"It wasn't a huge amount - £2,200 - but it meant we could have a home," says John. "However, there were very strict requirements about the size of your house. At the time we were only allowed to build a small, two-bedroom home."
But over the years, as their family grew, so did the house. Firstly two more bedrooms were added on and later the house was extended at the back to create a large living and dining room with a sunroom that makes the most of the views across the water.
To provide even more space for their three children the Irvines then built a whole extra wing on to the front of the house. It had two more bedrooms (meaning two of the small existing bedrooms could be transformed into studies), a bathroom and a big games room.
That part of the house got plenty of use while the children were teenagers, but once they'd left home John and Audrey decided they didn't want that space to sit empty.
"So we separated it off and turned it into a self-contained flat," says John. "We converted the games room into a living, dining and kitchen. It's got its own entrance so we've rented it out."
The renovations to the house have doubled it in size but there is still plenty of space outdoors. A covered patio by the main entrance is used as an outdoor room. "We spend a lot of time out here," says John. "We've had garden parties for 70 people and you can sit out here in all sorts of weather."
A grassy area alongside the house provides lots of room for children to run around on and is surrounded by a garden that has been lovingly tended by Audrey for decades. But there's more. A short path through native bush leads to another private grassy site the Irvines call the Retreat. This looks out over nearby Granny's Bay and gets all-day sun.
"It's hard to believe you are in a city when you are out here," says John.
The family spent many happy hours swimming down at Granny's Bay and for most of the years they've lived there John has had a boat.
"Once we went out and caught 45 flounders in one go," recalls John. "Everyone in the neighbourhood had flounder for dinner that night."
There's a close-knit local community, and many of the neighbours, who've also lived in the area for decades, have often gathered at the Retreat for a glass of wine.
There's a lot the Irvines will miss when they move, but the house and the land have become too big for them.
"Not many people stay in the same house for more than 50 years but we never had any reason to leave," says John. "It's been a wonderful place to live."
SIZE : Land 1585sqm, house 170sq m approx.
PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected over $700,000. Tender closes July 2.
INSPECT: Sat/Sun 2-2.45pm
On the web: www.ljhooker.com # 6SHGFW
SCHOOL ZONES: Hillsborough School, Waikowhai Intermediate, Onehunga High School.
CONTACT: Glenn Baker, LJ Hooker, ph 624 3900 bus, 021 923 596.
FEATURES: Large home on water's edge site. Possible home and income or opened up to include three living rooms and two studies. Several outdoor areas near Granny's Bay.
