Magic kingdom bursting with birdlife

2/59 Tarawera Terrace, St Heliers, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst

Television sports personality Ric Salizzo knows the story about buying his turn-of-the-century house might appear cliche, but, nevertheless, it's true.

"We'd been living on Kohimarama Rd, just around the corner, when we saw this pole house situated in such a lovely, quiet spot just a few streets away. It actually hadn't even gone to market, and within a few hours it was ours."

There were many aspects that attracted Ric and his late wife, journalist and PR professional Cathy Campbell, to the property.

"For a start, I'd always had a thing about streams, and here we had one running right along our section at the end of the garden," he says.

The house worked well for a family but there was plenty of room for improvement and Ric, a self-described "creative" person, could definitely see its potential.

"It's set over three levels and each one needed some imagination," he says.

2/59 Tarawera Terrace, St Heliers, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst

"We did some things along the way, but about 10 years ago I decided to go all out and create a dream home."

The kitchen was important to Ric — his father was a chef and food and cooking have always been big in his life.

He called in kitchen designer Shane George and was pleased with the outcome, which has all the bells and whistles, with high-quality appliances.

Its soft green scheme echoes the colours of nature that surround the house, and the large open dining and lounge area have beautiful garden views, too.

Upstairs is Ric's office and the tranquil master suite with its walk-in wardrobe and en suite. The family bathroom is elegant and modern with a partly glass ceiling.

Along the hall is his son Carlo's room, and it's here that Ric produces sports broadcasts, often working with his old schoolfriend, All Black great Sir John Kirwan.

2/59 Tarawera Terrace, St Heliers, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst

"We've been making Feed the Backs videos, using my portable mini studio, and they're doing very well on YouTube," he says.

"I'm a tech fan and there is fibre right throughout the house."

On the bottom level is a self-contained suite with bedroom, bathroom and private deck.
Ric says it could work well as a homestay or Airbnb, as it has its own entrance.

Though the house is packed with features, outside is nothing short of magical with lots of decking, a fabulous pool, spa pool and even a waterfall.

It's quiet and private and bursting with trees and shrubs, which attract lots of birdlife.

"I had a kingfisher here this morning and there are always tui and fantails darting around," says Ric. He remembers the yard being full of kids, splashing in the pool and exploring the little bush walk, when Carlo was younger.

2/59 Tarawera Terrace, St Heliers, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst

"At different times it was set up for cricket or as a golf range, you name it. And the grown-ups had some great parties here too."

He says that the suburb is served by excellent schools and he appreciates the fact that it's just 15 minutes to the city, where he produces the popular TV show, The Crowd Goes Wild.

It's also close to the beach and the shops, cafes and restaurants dotted along the waterfront.

He says with summer on its way this is definitely the place to be.

With Carlo now working as a lawyer in Dublin, Ric is ready for a change.

"I've made the decision to move and I can't imagine ever finding something as good as this, but I have a simplistic view of the world and I know that whatever happens will be fine."

2/59 TARAWERA TERRACE, ST HELIERS
• 4 bedrooms, 3 bathroom, 2 parking spaces.
• Land 1892sq m (half share), house 263sq m.
• Price: CV $2,225,000.
• Inspect: Sat/Sun 12.30-1.15pm or by appointment.
• Auction: Sat 27 Oct at 11am on-site, unless sold prior.
• Schools: St Thomas School, St Ignatius School, Glendowie College.
• Contact: Nicola Whitley, Harcourts, 021 280 5984, harcourts.co.nz/SH7657