17 Stanley Point Rd, Devonport, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
17 Stanley Point Rd, Devonport, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
17 Stanley Point Rd, Devonport, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
With its extensive harbour views, it's easy to see why this classic elevated bungalow attracted teacher Carol Banks when she was house-hunting several years ago.
"I always feel that bungalows are very warm and friendly and I really appreciated the renovation the former owners had undertaken. They kept very close to the original style and it's a layout that works very well," she says.
The house, which was built around 1910, enjoys an eclectic mix of art deco and arts & crafts features, and has been meticulously maintained throughout its life, with gleaming matai floorboards and a working open fireplace.
There are three bedrooms, two of which are enormous, with room for couches and other furniture and the roomy, well-appointed bathroom is perfectly in keeping with the property's age. The master bedroom has views of Ngataringa Bay at the front and Rangitoto to the side.
Carol especially loves her kitchen with its vast expanse of benchtop and double butler's sink.
"I have grown-up children, and grandchildren, so I needed a home that could fit them all. I love to have people around me as I cook - and it's an excellent oven, by the way," she says.
As well as an expansive living room with adjacent sunroom, there's a second sunroom at the front of the property. It's currently a home office but it would be great as a nursery should the new owners have children.
17 Stanley Point Rd, Devonport, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
Carol's own input in terms of the home's history is the magnificent garden beyond the sun-drenched deck and patio that she's developed significantly with lemon and lime trees bursting with fruit and neatly manicured hedges.
The section meanders down towards the water via brick and wooden steps.
All the way you're surrounded by trees and shrubs and at this time of year the fragrance of multi-coloured freesias perfumes the air.
In summer, Carol loves coming down to her own little beach and sitting in the sun, eating dinner or swimming in the sparkling, clear water of the harbour. Even in winter the beach is sheltered and she will often borrow her daughter's dog and take him for walks around the shoreline.
17 Stanley Point Rd, Devonport, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
"There's always something happening on the water so I never get tired of watching it, either from the house, or at the beach," says Carol.
"It's a great place to see fireworks over the harbour and it's exciting when helicopters land on the big naval vessels or a huge cruise ship comes in. It's always very easy to entertain the grandchildren.
"Of course, the new owners will have grandstand seats if the America's Cup races are held here."
In terms of the neighbourhood, Carol says she couldn't have asked for more. The community is friendly, she says, and it wasn't long before she found herself reading with the book club.
17 Stanley Point Rd, Devonport, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
There's a popular bowling club and a tennis club nearby, and Devonport town centre, with its bustling shops and restaurants, is a level walk or short drive away.
At this end of Stanley Point Rd, there's little traffic as it isn't a thoroughfare.
She's selling because she feels like a change of direction but won't be going far.
