SCHOOL ZONES:
Newton Central, Kowhai Intermediate, MAGS & WSC.
CONTACT:
Robyn Ellson, 021 800 891.
AUCTION:
Feb 22, 6.30pm, (unless sold prior).
Millie and Terry Locke don't know a lot about the early history of their much-loved family home, which was built in 1896, but a descendent did visit years ago and explained that the original owner had deliberately built it in the centre of two adjoining sections.
This was so it could never be sub-divided - and that has remained one of this handsome villa's most appealing aspects - especially today as infill housing takes hold.
Terry, a professor of education and Millie, a music teacher, brought up six now adult children in the large house with its rambling secret gardens, fruit trees and flowers.
"As we grew to love it, it occurred to us to ask the landlord if we could buy it and that's what we did - in 1979."
At the time they were buying the home, the city council was offering loans to homeowners in the neighbourhood to restore or enhance houses, keeping their history and character intact.
"We couldn't believe our luck," says Millie. "We'd pulled out all the stops to get a deposit together, with a loan from my father, and suddenly all this other money was on offer."
The Lockes used theirs to add another storey to the existing house, encompassing a master bedroom with views across Kingsland's rooftops to the city and beyond, a small office which they used for a nursery as babies arrived, and a bathroom offering great views.
Nicely maintained with glowing rimu architraves and kauri floorboards, the house has suited its large family well, with various combinations of bedrooms and living areas being used over the years. Essentially there are up to five bedrooms, but Millie and Terry more recently used the front right one, with its window seat, high ceilings and beautiful stained glass as a music room.
Image 1 of 7: This modernised home is in the best spot. Photos / Ted Baghurst
"We're a very musical family," says Millie, "And over the years we've had the most wonderful parties and soirees in here."
The farmhouse kitchen is only about three years old and is all that Millie ever dreamed of, with marble topped benches and loads of storage space.
"It works very well for entertaining as I can cook without being cut off from our guests and there's room for lots of people in the dining and living areas - and of course, out on the deck."
Downstairs is a further living area, bedroom and bathroom, accessed via its own door. This proved invaluable when the children were at home and even after they'd left.
"Various extended family members have used it over the years," Millie says.
As if this isn't enough space, there's also a studio in the garden. It was intended to provide teenagers with their own 'den', but over the last few years Millie has used it as her base while studying for a PhD.
She says that while the neighbourhood was a little rough back in 1979 and there wasn't a single nice shop or eating place in Kingsland, in recent years that has changed dramatically and now the couple can take their pick of all the lively restaurants and cafes that have sprung up on New North Road, which is an easy walk away.
