With an eye on the future, Henry also liked the look of the safe, quiet cul-de-sac.
"At the time, I was courting Vivian and we were planning to get married, and so our parents saw this as a lovely place to raise our kids -- and it's proven so. We absolutely love it here."
The couple got married and now have two children who love the playground, riding their bikes and playing with other children in the neighbourhood.
Henry was also impressed with the layout. There's a formal lounge and a separate formal dining area off a wide, airy hallway, which flows naturally into the living areas.
Vivian loves the expansive kitchen because from there she can keep an eye on the children doing their homework or playing outside. She calls it the command centre.
"She sees everything," laughs Henry.
They built a big deck and decided to put down artificial turf around the playground, which dries fast after it rains and has a cushioning effect.
The turf also means the property is low maintenance, and the yard is flat and fully fenced.
"It's pretty difficult to keep a nice lawn and we're pretty busy people, we both work. Vivian works at a bank, she's at the ASB, and I'm a design professional," says Henry.
He describes the design of the house as "eclectic Tudor" and says the cedar and Hinuera stone appealed.
Image 1 of 7: A move across town means this couple is handing over a happy honeymoon home
It's north-facing and every room gets plenty of sun, and the property is also private. Vivian says there is no feeling of being overlooked by the neighbours.
There's a separate laundry, plenty of storage cupboards and spaces, plus stained glass features.
Up the wide stairs are four double bedrooms, all with either walk-in wardrobes or large wardrobes and one with a private balcony.
The master bedroom also has an en suite and room for a couch near the bay window.
"We feel it's a bit of a time warp coming into this house. Like, everything slows down. It's very relaxing when you get home," says Henry.
"Just the way the house is laid out and the quiet neighbourhood, after your drive home from work you can leave all that behind and you just play with the kids."
He grew up in the South Island and says it's rare to find a street in Auckland where children are safe to ride their bikes or play cricket but that's what they have found here.
Vivian says: "We know all the neighbours and the neighbours know who's who and look out for each other."
The house is close to the beach with St Heliers village just down the road, and the cafes and facilities of Glen Innes are nearby.
The family has already moved to another house closer to Henry's work.
