Western Springs

By ROBYN WELSH

About as close to living in the city without leaving the suburbs, Western

Springs is notable for the integrated style of housing which has appeared on its subdivided sites.

Not for this suburb, the brick-and-tile spec homes characteristic of other highly crossleased areas. Here, replica and relocated villas and bungalows have moved into the neighbourhood, sharing a half-site with many an original dwelling. Where modern homes or stand-alone townhouses have been built, they're distinctly contemporary and reflect the youthful, cosmopolitan flavour of this area which is close to the up-beat shopping strip in Kingsland.

Western Springs is one of the earliest villa areas of central Auckland and many large properties remain. They're popular for young families and reasonably affordable compared with the much smaller properties in nearby Ponsonby. Apartment-style living is rare here, however, The Springs in Western Springs Rd is a good example.

House prices range from the mid-$200,000s for a house on a half site to $600,000 plus for a home on one of the bigger 900 sq m sections. There's also a strong family focus despite Western Springs College being the only school in the area. Many elderly residents have lived here all their lives; they stay because they're close, but not too close, to the best of city life and amenities.