CONTACT:
Lynn Lacy-Hauck, Ray White, 021 190 0611.
AUCTION:
June 7, 6.30pm.
*3 OSP
As a young man in the early 1930s, Andrea Rush's grandfather bought a large tract of land in Titirangi and moved from Ponsonby to live there.
Access was easier after Scenic Drive was carved through during the Depression and over time he subdivided the land, giving parcels to his children, which they subsequently built on, living together in what was effectively a family compound.
Andrea has wonderful memories of growing up with her extended family, running in and out of each other's houses and playing in the lush native bush, so it felt natural to return there as an adult, after seven years in Point Chevalier.
She says the house she bought, next door to her childhood home, was built in 1972 by a Danish carpenter who had bought some land on the ridge from her grandfather, but died not long after completing it.
"I knew the house well as a neighbour and I remember coming over to watch gymnast Nadia Comaneci competing in the Olympics, on their colour TV in 1976," says Andrea, who for Quotable Value.
Owners since the 70s had added to the house but essentially it still retains a classic mid-century feel and enjoys tremendous views to Manukau Harbour, the airport and beyond.
Set over two levels, it has a huge kitchen and living space on the top floor, and french doors open to the well-appointed patio with its outdoor fire.
There's also a sunny "den", two decks and an office where Andrea and her partner Mark Appleyard, an occupational therapist, work from home, being very disciplined since the office enjoys such good views.
The bedroom of Andrea's 10-year-old son Charlie and the master bedroom are also on this floor.
"It's a great house for entertaining because there's lots of space to spread out inside and outside," Andrea says.
"It's been good for Charlie because it's all fenced."
Back inside, the downstairs level features a wine cellar-cum-storeroom and another bedroom and bathroom plus a small living room. There's also an internal access double garage and workshop plus a separate laundry.
To the rear of the house is yet another surprise, a separate unit with its own kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom and living area, which is currently tenanted.
"It's a very versatile property with all these different spaces," Andrea says.
She adds that if she were staying she would consider installing a swimming pool beside the house in an area that is currently a tiered garden.
"There actually used to be a pool at the front but previous owners filled it in so now it's in grass, which is good really because Charlie likes playing cricket."
She appreciates the proximity to Titirangi Village, just a five-minute drive away, with Piha Beach about 20 minutes in the opposite direction.
Perhaps surprisingly, Andrea, who survived a tiger shark attack off the coast of Vanuatu in 1992, is still a huge fan of the water and especially loves body boarding.
Naturally sad to be selling, she's also looking forward to the future.
Mark has a new position in Motueka so they are all moving down to the South Island.
"It's going to be a completely different pace of life," says Andrea, who will continue to work for Quotable Value from Motueka.
"The good thing is that we still have family land on the other side of Scenic Drive so who knows, maybe I'll end up back here in the future. I've lived here nearly all my life so there are lots of happy memories."
