SCHOOL ZONES:
Titirangi School, Glen Eden Intermediate, Green Bay High.
CONTACT:
Lynn Lacy-Hauck, Ray White, ph 021 190 0611.
The board-and-batten cottage at this hidden Titirangi property is utterly charming but Kay and John Morris were won over well before they'd stepped inside it 37 years ago.
They knew it was "the one", having wandered up a non-assuming driveway to discover the secretive allure of harbour views from a large whack of private land cosseting the home amidst beautiful trees.
Kay sighs, "We knew straight away it was just so special."
They've never tired of the outlook from the two-lot 4100sq m site. Their tranquil views stretch from One Tree Hill across the Manukau Harbour to the airport. They like the way their vista changes with different tides, weather conditions and boat traffic.
Kay says, "It's wonderful watching the moon rise up, casting its little silver shadow over the water."
There's something bewitchingly agreeable about the cottage, which resonates with honest charisma. A climbing rose unfurls near its covered front entrance, against timber they've returned to a dark hue in homage to its early creosote coating.
John says, "It was recorded as a small cottage in a 1927 Census so it pre-dates that. It's been extended at least four times but fortunately it's been kept in the same style.
"And it is sunny and one-level right through which is lovely."
Kay adds, "People say it's got a very English look. There are certain friends who say this is the loveliest house they've ever been in."
Moving here to get more land and privacy, they raised three children onsite. Now their three grandchildren love popping round for a dip in the Para pool they added as new owners.
Kay says, "It's been a fabulous home socially," referring to great dinner parties and some notorious election parties spilling out to a terrace facing the harbour.
"We sit out there and have a drink together on summer evenings. We get wonderful birdlife with woodpigeons diving down to have a drink in the bird bath there."
Guests appreciate generous off-street parking in front of the double carport extending from John's workshop. They often pop in the side entrance but the front door is near the front lawn where a clawfoot bath-cum-planter is overflowing with flowers.
John's late father, a builder, made kauri benches and shelves when they renovated the kitchen which includes a home-office nook. Kay doubts she'll ever experience its storage capabilities again.
"Twenty-six cupboards and 14 drawers -- how are we going to live without it?"
There's a dining area off the roomy lounge which has a wet-back fireplace and a pair of milk-glass light fittings which once hung in an Epsom church.
Kay has always adored sunny mornings in their master bedroom which is big enough to include a lounge area. A pedestal basin prefacing its walk-in wardrobe is handy for brushing their teeth or for Jim to use for shaving.
Bathrooms are at either end of the house plus there are two other bedrooms. The bedroom their daughters shared has the same board-and-batten walls as the hallway. John explains their advantages. "They're indestructible."
Image 1 of 5: Herald Homes
640 South Titirangi Rd, Titirangi.
11 September 2014 NZ Herald photo by Ted Baghurst.
He likes to do the paperwork for his business at his desk in the comfy second living area-study which exudes atmosphere with terracotta linen wallpaper and its wood-burning open fireplace.
French doors open the study to a side lawn where they erected a small marquee for their son's wedding in February. The couple are plant lovers and it shows in grounds featuring some lovely trees including an oak about to thicken with seasonal leaves.
There's substantial further land below the terrace, including rock-lined paths, lawn, the pool and a large tract of easterly bush.
They're selling their long-treasured base to downsize.
