When Patricia Monaghan's Irish father, Charles, and English mother, Enid, first moved to New Zealand 20 years ago, they immediately fell in love with Auckland. Charles went on to establish a successful plastics company, which still trades under his name, and Enid busied herself with church and family.
"Mum's very much the matriarch of the family. There are seven of us and 13 grandchildren," Patricia explains.
The couple bought their enormous West Harbour home five years ago and were enjoying it very much until a sudden desire to return to Ireland seized them, and that's exactly what they did, settling back in County Donegal.
Patricia's been house-sitting over the two years since, but the house is really too big for her and daughter Natasha.
Elegant and imposing on the outside, the interior of this solid, well-constructed dwelling starts in a spacious tiled hallway. To the left of the front door is the master bedroom, which boasts a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom. To the right is internal access to a double garage with laundry.
A huge open-plan granite kitchen, dining and living room has held many happy family gatherings.
"It's a perfect house for Christmas dinners," Patricia says.
An equally large formal lounge also functions as a media room, and the screen and projector will stay with the house.
Another small, split level houses an office and Natasha's bedroom, which has its own bathroom.
The main bathroom downstairs also has copious space.
"I'm really going to miss the spa bath," laughs Patricia.
As if all this space isn't enough, the house yields another jumbo-size secret.
There's a complete, self-contained flat, with two bedrooms, a kitchenette, dining and living area plus a bathroom.
The door connecting it with the rest of the house can be locked and the flat has its own entrance.
Though it would be perfect for granny, the flat could also serve to keep lively teens out of their parents' hair and, of course, the new owner could rent it out for extra income.
The house is surrounded by tall, well-established palm trees and the pool area is blessed with a relaxing resort feel. Extensive decking provides plenty of options for garden furniture placement.
One of the things Charles and Enid most liked about the house is that it is in a quiet street, yet all the amenities you could wish for are only a few minutes' walk or drive away.
Much improved motorway connections make access to Auckland city and to the North Shore a piece of cake, while ferries leave for town regularly from the marina nearby.
Image 1 of 5: 9 Mistral Pl, West Harbour. Photo / Ted Baghurst
"We've got some lovely little cafes round here, says Patricia, "and the big new shopping centre at Westgate is going to be amazing.
"The farmers market every weekend at Hobsonville Point is very good and if you're keen on exercise there's a nice walkway round the coast to the marina."
Patricia likes the area so much that she's bought a new home for herself and Natasha nearby.
She's enjoyed the time she's spent at her parents' home and says that they are sorry to be selling.
They visited recently in order to say "goodbye" to their dream dwelling and she remembers that the moment they left for the last time was incredibly sad.
