Warmth with a winning edge in Pt Chevalier

1 Bungalow Ave, Pt Chevalier. Photo / Supplied

1 BUNGALOW AVE PT CHEVALIER

4

2

2

SIZE: Land share of 670sq m; house 251sq m (approx).

PRICE INDICATION: $739,000.

INSPECT: Sun 2.15pm-2.45pm or by appointment.

ON THE WEB: www.sellrealty.co.nz/PPC10362

SCHOOL ZONES: Pt Chevalier School, Pasadena Intermediate, Western Springs College.

CONTACT: Ross Brader or Lawrence von Sturmer, Professionals Pt Chevalier, ph 846 8996, Ross 027 475 5977, Lawrence 027 227 9294.

FEATURES: Sunny, roomy brick-and- cedar townhouse with near-new kitchen, renovated bathrooms and internal-access double garage on a quiet street close to Coyle Park and the beach. Includes ground-floor lounge/dining and kitchen/ informal dining/living, opening to fully fenced deck and easy-care garden, plus upstairs rumpus room and master suite.

This amenable townhouse cocooned in Pt Chevalier neighbourliness was a welcome retreat for family man Cameron Brewer during his hard-fought campaign to get elected to the inaugural Auckland Council.

Cameron had previously earned the nickname "Mayor of Newmarket" during his half-decade as CEO of the Newmarket Business Association. But with no experience as a local body councillor, he put in some serious campaigning to get successfully elected Auckland's councillor for the Orakei ward in early October. He was the fifth-highest polling of the 20 successful Auckland councillors and the only one not to have served on a council before.

The easy-care brick-and-cedar townhouse he shares with wife Emma and five-year-old daughter Lucy were relaxing to come home to during months of campaigning. "It's the sunniest and warmest house that either Emma or I have ever lived in," he says.

The four-bedroom 1988 home offers uncomplicated living for the busy family, less than a 500m stroll to Lucy's Pt Chevalier School, Coyle Park and the beach. It'd be a suitably carefree base for Cameron to return to after days mastering newly bestowed roles; it's handy to the Town Hall and Emma's North Shore work. But his election is precisely why they're selling the home they bought in 2006.

"I think it's important for an aspiring politician to live in the community that they represent," explains Cameron. "During the election campaign I promised we'd move into the Orakei ward and we're not mucking around."

They leave Pt Chev as dedicated fans. "It's a 'cricket-out-on-the-street' sort of suburb, where people seem to really interact with their neighbours and there's a lot to do outdoors. We love the fact that after work over the summer we can put on our togs and head to the beach."

Bungalow Ave is a laid-back road with little through-traffic, well north of Meola Rd. Number one is fully fenced and set one property in from the corner.

The downstairs layout ensures there's always a sunny living area (rounded out by a separate laundry, toilet and internal-access double garage). The front lounge, with dining and a duo of French doors, is the suntrap from afternoon on, while the rear informal dining-living-kitchen basks in morning sun. The roomy kitchen installed last year contrasts a white glass splashback and smart white cabinetry with stainless appliances.

This open-plan room opens to the often-used barbecue deck, fronted by a manageable front garden featuring iceberg roses. With a re-sanded beach and big park nearby, Cameron's happy his push-mower deals to the little lawn within minutes (unlike the all-weekend slog mowing the lawn where he grew up in rural Taranaki.) A rear paved area is level enough for the most novice cycling nipper.

The sunny aspect and flow outdoors make the property an easy entertainer, hosting about 70 at Cameron's election victory party.

Sarked timber ceilings soar over the upstairs rumpus room (with balcony). Its spaciousness allows Cameron to work on the computer while Lucy plays.

All four bedrooms are also upstairs, supported by the renovated family bathroom, renovated en suite and another separate toilet. The sunny master suite with leafy outlook, en suite and walk-in wardrobe is opposite Lucy's room. A bedroom across the landing from the others suits visitors.

Cameron grins impishly while explaining the kiddy-style "Cameron's Room" plaque announcing the final bedroom. "Emma quite enjoys shopping for clothes in Newmarket, so she has the entire walk-in wardrobe and I keep my clothes in here," he says, pointing out his profusion of electioneering striped ties.