SCHOOL ZONES:
Ponsonby Primary School, Ponsonby Intermediate, Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, Western Springs College.
CONTACT:
Carl Madsen, 021 953 512, Barfoot & Thompson.
TENDER:
Closes Thursday 4pm, May 18 (unless sold prior).
Having lived in the Netherlands and survived World War II, Joseph and Maria van Veenendaal decided to emigrate to New Zealand for a better life.
They arrived in 1952 with five-year-old twin daughters Bernadette and Anita, and set about starting afresh in Auckland.
After renting in St Marys Bay, Papatoetoe and Ponsonby, they bought a home in the latter suburb before finally acquiring their dream home at 111 Shelly Beach Rd in 1970.
Anita says: "For them and the rest of the family it has been a very happy house. It's been a gathering point for children, grandchildren and great grandchildren."
Down a right of way and well off the road, the 1940s vintage stucco home with tile roof has stunning, north-facing views of Westhaven and the harbour from its living areas, master bedroom and the deck.
To the left of the front entrance is a garage and behind it a west-facing courtyard with a view shaft to the harbour.
"Mum used to love sitting in this courtyard and the neighbours say they miss seeing her out here," Anita says.
Inside, the home has a simple layout with the kitchen and family room opening out to a deck with glorious harbour views.
Anita says the kitchen, which has timber detailing including tongue and groove cabinetry, has been renovated twice in the time her parents owned the house.
It has stone benches and a timber bar top that provides connection with the family room.
"Mum was a very stylish person so there are lots of nice touches around the house," says Anita.
Tiled floors in the kitchen/family room soak up the heat of the sun. They give way to carpet in the lounge, which was also renovated.
It has timber panelling, and an alcove was created where the fireplace used to be before Joseph and Maria removed it.
Down the hallway is a bedroom then the bathroom, which has been renovated with rustic timber boards painted white.
A small stained glass window sits over the bath - one of Maria's favourite features - and there is also a tiled walk-in shower.
Further down the hallway is the second bedroom and at the front of the house the master bedroom clad with stained plywood has lovely harbour views through a big picture window.
