Who bought that house? Mission accomplished

62 Brighton Road, Parnell.

Sold by: Megan Jaffe, Harcourts, ph 520 6114 bus or 021 611 461 mob.

With the brief for her new family home limited to Parnell, Parnell or Parnell, Susan Honeybone knew she might have a search on her hands. And after six months of looking and weekends of open homes she was beginning to despair.
"I'd promised the kids they would still be able to walk to school," says Susan. "We'd been in Auckland for four years and this was where their friends were, our school community. I was prepared to keep looking."

But Susan was also wondering whether she might have to compromise on family character and settle for a town house or apartment for herself and her children, aged 7 and 11, until she spotted this renovated bungalow on Brighton Road, featured in HeraldHomes July 16. Despite the miserable teeming rain, Susan and her parents immediately knew her search was over.

"The house had a lovely feeling, with just enough garden for the kids and their stuff.

"The house had been beautifully done, with the feel of a family home," she says. Susan was also delighted with the fantastic service of agent Megan Jaffe, who worked to seal the deal after the house was turned in at auction.

With a double garage, there is plenty of room for kids' bikes, but the house is comfortable enough for one when the children are away. The stylish renovation suits Susan's mix of antiques and modern furniture, and she has already picked out the kids' bedrooms. Importantly, she's also popped into Pasta Italia, her neighbourhood cafe, to establish an account. To her daughter's delight, her best friend lives just over the road and school is an easy walk away.

The garden in spring is already looking lovely, says Susan. With a new house and a new job, Susan is ready to start again with her heart still in her favourite suburb of Parnell.