SCHOOL ZONES:
Pillans Point School, Otumoetai Primary, Intermediate and College.
CONTACT:
Jan Hodges, Bayleys, 027 546 3437.
Tor and Andi Sandoy and children Bella and Oscar have enjoyed learning about the rich history of their much loved 1930s family home, positioned on the northern slopes of Otumoetai with uninterrupted views across the water to "the Mount" and Matakana Island.
"Each time our home has been part of the local garden fest we have met amazing people who have had a connection with this home," says Andi.
Tor and Andi say the Tauranga City Library has been a great source of information about the property, built in 1932 for a Mr Knowles, an English engineer who moved to New Zealand to follow his dream to grow lemons on the 30 acres the home would be built on.
"The original owner's son sourced photos of the house when it was built in 1932," says Andi. "There is also the building contract written by hand. It cost just under 1500 and Tonkin and Carswell Building Contractors of Tauranga were the builders.
"Also in the library is a copy of a little black and white film, and it shows how people dressed in those days."
The house was called Four Winds, named after a book Mr Knowles' wife had read, written by a Mrs Molesworth, published in 1887.
"The home started out as a single level farmhouse in solid stucco with orange tiled roof. In the 1940s a Dr Kennedy put the second storey on and used the house as a surgery and a convalescent home," says Andi.
"The next owners subdivided and sold the land. The patio and pool were added in the 80s and that owner put in the big terrace, the loggia and the pool."
Andi says this home has also been used for a knitting business and was split into three flats at one stage.
"Every owner has done something to the house."
The Sandoys bought the property, now measuring 1600sq m, eight years ago.
"We've just done cosmetic changes, to the garden, plastering, painting, carpet and blinds."
Image 1 of 6: With a history and story all its own, this 1930s property is ready for the next chapter in its evolution.
They describe their five-bedroom, three-bathroom home as having a French country style. Being north-facing it gets all-day sun.
Downstairs are the main living areas, a solid rimu kitchen with marble benchtops plus armchairs, office, guest room and bathroom.
Outside living areas include the terrace facing the northern views, the pool, lawns and garden enjoyed so much by this family. The master bedroom plus three children's bedrooms are upstairs.
"Every room except for the laundry gets a view of the sea," says Andi. "It is a moving view, something is happening all the time. Ships, yachts, kite flyers and paragliders jumping off the Mount, the ferries going to Matakana."
Outside, they added some plants, took out others, all working within the shape of the garden already set in place.
"The garden has a mix of styles. Out the front of the house is more formal, but the southern side is more relaxed."
In summer the pool water reaches 28 degrees, heated only by the sun. "The pool gets a lot of use, and it is set low so it is private and sheltered. It is great for skinny dipping; no one can see!" says Andi.
They are close to the centre of Tauranga, as well as Mount Maunganui. Andi and Tor work nearby and the children ride or walk to school.
"There is a lot to do outdoors here. My husband rides his bike because the traffic here is so different to Auckland, my son sails in the harbour, he goes fishing with his friends and the kids have their sports. We often walk up the Mount plus there are lots of cafes to choose from."
They think the history, the character and the improvements various owners have made are what makes their home special.
"And we are lucky to still have the 1600sq m of land, it is still a nice sized property."
But with their children getting older, Andi and Tor feel it is now time for the next chapter of this home to start.
