AUCTION:
On site Sunday Sep 25 at noon (unless sold prior).
A "don't fence me in" attitude has seen the Skilton family revel in a private north-facing position on a tract of land measuring 8295sq m for the past 20 years.
Semi-retired school teacher Jan Skilton says: "When we first saw it we were just blown away with the size. It was a really great space to bring up three boys."
The family used to live on generous land with no near neighbours in Masterton. However, they headed up Auckland way in 1989 because Jan's husband, marine engineer Tony, changed home port from Wellington.
A North Shore-based uncle suggested they might like to live on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. Eventual development next to the cross-leased property they first purchased up this way made them feel hemmed in.
They bought this property in 1996 when it looked quite different. However, with their three sons starting to progress through teenage years Tony and Jan could see the potential the 1990s house on big grounds offered their family.
Jan says: "The kids spent so much time playing cricket and rugby on that lawn.
"It has been such a lovely place to come home to after a busy day teaching. I love sitting outside on the big covered deck with a cup of tea or coffee to relax.
"All you look at are trees and birds. It's so peaceful here."
Initially they cleared somewhat scrubby grounds and put in the oval driveway enclosing an attractive garden within a couple of years. Jan appreciates colourful garden beds and the red Christmas blaze of pohutukawa up the driveway are a seasonal thrill.
Such large grounds suggest plenty of possibilities including a pool or tennis court, horses or other animals or perhaps subdivision (subject to resource consent).
Image 1 of 5: Sitting on almost one hectare of land this property offers a world of possibilities.
They made significant changes to the fibrolite weatherboard home too. These included a substantial addition adding the triple garaging and a large second living area with its own entrance and work-from-home potential.
The kitchen-living-dining area boasts a hearty wood-burning fire with a heat transfer system to the second living-office. This open-plan kitchen-living-dining spread flows out to a covered entertaining area they've found invaluable whether it be for big get-togethers or quiet breaks.
Jan says: "That covered-in deck has been an absolute asset. It means I can cook all year round on the barbecue."
The home predominantly spreads out across one level although there's a slight rise up to the multi-purpose second living area, which has the triple garaging below. It has five bedrooms, two bathrooms plus two separate powder rooms and a separate laundry.
The Skiltons re-decorated throughout about 10 years ago.
Investing in a second big concrete water tank means they have two 27,000 litres tanks and memories of only buying water a handful of times in the last two decades.
The property looks out across the valley to bush and big macrocarpa trees.
Jan says: "It's the sort of property which lends itself to pre-ball functions, 21sts and end-of-year parties with plenty of room for people to park their cars."
She estimates the local Little Manly shops are five minutes drive away and Whangaparaoa Plaza about 10 minutes away.
She'd allow an hour to get to central Auckland off-peak. School buses go from the top of the road, a dip at Tindalls Bay is only a minute away and Gulf Harbour's plentiful facilities are within five minute's drive.
Their three boys left home years ago and Jan and Tony have decided now is the right time to downsize.
