SCHOOL ZONES:
Grey Lynn School, Western Springs College.
CONTACT:
Matt O’Brien, 021 687 866, or John Elgar, 027 477 3442.
AUCTION:
Nov 16. 1.30pm.
Kirsty and John Ogilvie's history with their Tuarangi Rd home goes back to 1999 and they have relished learning more about the heritage of their house and neighbourhood. John has a copy of a newspaper clipping advertising sections for sale in 1927. It shows their already built house and itsneighbours and the name the street used to be called until about 1930 - Old North Rd.
The Ogilvies' transitional villa, which is elevated on the corner of Tuarangi and Barrington Rds, is one of six built together in 1913. Its access off Tuarangi Rd is by way of a private road that rises above the street-proper.
"I have seen an old photo in a book called Auckland by KS Clark, which shows the six villas and their stained-glass windows at the front, all in a row," says John. "We still have our stained-glass window, but some of the other villas have lost theirs."
Retaining heritage features has been important to Kirsty and John.
"We have tried to keep everything original where possible," says John. "We feel like we've had a duty to look after this house and want to hand it on in better condition."
And leaving it in better condition they are; the house has been well-insulated and recently repainted, and its wooden floorboards freshly re-sanded. Timber throughout the house has been maintained and restored. There are modern touches though, such as a built-in TV and sound system in the bathroom.
The couple were flatting in nearby Rona Ave and admired this house on the corner whenever they drove past.
Image 1 of 7: This home is full of history. Photos / Ted Baghurst
When the opportunity came to buy it, they leaped at the chance, despite its garden being overgrown at the time.
"We mentioned the amazing avocado tree to the previous owners and they didn't know it was there," Kirsty says.
In the 17 years since they bought here the Ogilvies have tidied up the garden considerably and introduced low-maintenance potted plants. The backyard, which feels roomy, is fully fenced, making it ideal for dogs Mungo and Jerry and their nemesis, cat Marley. There's a built-in speaker system and a deck, perfect for entertaining.
When there's a rugby test match on, or a concert at Western Springs, the Olgilvies' place has been a central meeting spot for friends.
"It's only a 20-minute walk to Eden Park from here, up Great North Rd and down Bond St," Kirsty says.
When the couple has been watching Eden Park cricket on TV, they'll often know if something good has happened before it's broadcast when they hear the roar of the crowd.
Kirsty and John have also added a single garage, workshop and off-street parking for four cars during their time here. Their house is so central, it's an easy-by-Auckland-standards commute to their workplaces in Newmarket and the airport.
Kirsty says: "There is always something happening there - sports and family picnics or other dotty dog people to talk to. We enjoy the Grey Lynn Festival there or head down to see the Pasifika Festival at Western Springs."
The Ogilvies and their pets are now venturing out of Grey Lynn for a change of scene.
