ALSO FOR SALE:
11 Peach Pde. 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, CV $1.14 million.
Situated behind handsome, white, remote-controlled security gates, the family "compound" Lois Pringle shares with her son, his wife and their children in Remuera is a slightly unusual, but without doubt a versatile option for home buyers who can purchase either one or both of two historic freehold bungalows, each with its own title.
Lois lives in the larger house, 11A, which was originally on the site when she and her husband bought it in the 1980s.
"We rented it out for a number of years then eventually, in 2010, the house was moved further back on the section and lifted up. An architectural designer completely rejigged everything and it's turned out very well."
Lois, now on her own, has adored living in the "new" house.
A sunny atrium greets visitors and an elegant wallpaper, bearing a stylised bird pattern adds interest. "The swallow is supposed to be a symbol of good luck," says Lois
The quiet, serene master bedroom has a generous walk-through wardrobe, which leads to a well-appointed en suite.
This part of the house is independently alarmed, a fact that makes Lois feel very secure.
The large lounge still bears some of its original 1920s features, including a beamed ceiling and attractive leadlight windows, as does the spacious dining room. The kitchen is all-new and features loads of lovely storage space.
"All the small appliances can be hidden away in drawers," she says.
"I like to have a nice uncluttered benchtop."
Bifold windows enable Lois to pass food out to hungry guests during family get-togethers on the deck, which is surrounded by an Italian style garden with bountiful fruit trees.
Back inside, a small, sunny, breakfast nook at the end of the kitchen is one of Lois' favourite spots.
Image 1 of 7: Two historical and stylish bungalows sit side by side in prime location and offer several attractive options
"I love sitting here and reading my Herald," she says.
The "big" house also enjoys another three double bedrooms, a large main bathroom and a particularly nifty walk-in laundry cupboard.
Downstairs is a double garage with internal access and another big room, which Lois jokingly describes as her "dungeon".
"I'm a really keen sewer and I need lots of room to spread out for that," she says. "And this also doubles as office space."
The second house on the site has a particularly interesting history, having been moved from Epsom's The Drive.
"It had to be transported in two pieces, in the middle of the night," says Lois.
"We understand that it was originally built for the Postmaster General and was later the home of one of New Zealand's first lady doctors."
The house now sits proudly on its new site, surrounded by landscaped gardens. The sunny patio is a popular meeting place for family and friends in summer.
Inside, original kauri features have been retained and the four bedrooms are big and bright. One could potentially be used as a formal lounge.
A modern TV and gas fire feature lies between original in-built glass-fronted cabinets in the main living room.
"The fire is great and keeps the house very warm," says Lois, who lived here while her house was being rebuilt.
In a cute, quirky touch a gorgeous green 1970s bath has been retained in the bathroom and the all-white kitchen is sweet and simple.
