KEY POINTS:
14 Blomfield Spa, Takapuna
Lew and Marilyn Glover have photos of their much-loved house, taken not long after the couple moved in 20 years ago. The photos show a solid, red brick 1940s family home. Today the house looks quite different, but it retains a solid feel - and there's a relaxing atmosphere, partly because it's only a few steps from Takapuna beach.
Number 14 Blomfield Spa is a long, slim site. Although the street address is Blomfield Spa, the property faces on to Gibbons Rd, a quiet beachside lane that has some of Auckland's most costly real estate. A couple of years after moving in with their two sons, Lew and Marilyn had architect Elwyn Vela come up with a plan to transform the 1940s house into a home with a timeless European style.
Lew and Marilyn loved Elwyn's ideas for the house - as did passers-by, some stopping to take photos. "Sometimes we'd ask if they wanted to come and have a look inside and they often did," Marilyn says.
In the years since then, the Glovers have had many visitors express how lovely the house is and what a wonderful "feel" it has.
The exterior features traditional materials such as roughcast plaster, cedar roof shingles and copper spouting. Inside there's a modern sense of space and an abundance of natural light.
Original matai floorboards, and new rimu joinery, add warmth and character.
The house is perfect for entertaining. On the ground floor is a formal lounge, complete with a gas fireplace and a sunny tile-floored informal area.
There are two dining areas, one casual space and the other a formal separate room, with french doors to admit natural light. The formal dining room could easily be converted into a library or media room, or even an extra bedroom.
Upstairs is the master bedroom with bi-fold windows that offer a view of pohutukawa trees and Rangitoto Island. There is also another bedroom and a bathroom.
Back downstairs, the kitchen is located centrally and has a Parmco oven with gas hobs. An upstand shields any kitchen mess from the surrounding informal dining and living areas.
The ground floor also has a guest bedroom, full-size bathroom and office. An enormous laundry doubles as a thoroughfare to the garage.
It was built as a three-car garage, but one bay is walled off as a separate room. It has a tiled floor, warmed by underfloor heating, and its own bathroom. It could be a home gym, a teenagers' space, or be converted back into the garage.
The self-contained flat above the garage is well-equipped, with plenty of storage. The kitchen has a granite benchtop and Fisher & Paykel DishDrawers.
But Lew and Marilyn don't need so much space anymore, and will now downsize.
*Plus off-street parking for 7 cars.
PRICE INDICATION: Mid-$2 million.
SIZE: Land 688 sq m, house 358sq m approx including flat.
INSPECT: Phone for viewing times.
ON THE WEB: www.barfoot.co.nz/375447
CONTACT: Maree Stewart or Ron and Sherryl Sadler, Barfoot & Thompson, phone Maree 0800
444 898, Ron and Sherryl 0800
216 546.
SCHOOL ZONES: Takapuna Primary, Takapuna Normal Intermediate, Takapuna Grammar.
FEATURES: Luxurious family home a few paces from Takapuna beach and shops. Views from master bedroom and self-contained accommodation. Matai floors on ground level lead to courtyard with all-day sun. Central vacuum system and gas heating. Office and home gym.
