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Grand 140 year old home one of Auckland’s best kept secrets

Article by Homes to Love

Brimming with history and a sensibility from a bygone era, a grand home in central Auckland is on the hunt for a new custodian

Grand 140 year old home one of Auckland’s best kept secrets

Western Springs, best known for its wide, leafy streets and idyllic park, is a neighbourhood that’s played a much larger role in Auckland’s history than its subtle, suburban demeanour lets on. Following the European settlement in the 1800s, the development of Western Springs can be traced back to one man – William Motion.

Motion was a Scottish settler who owned the land surrounding and including Western Springs Park. After growing wheat and building a flour mill, Motion sold the land back to the Auckland City Council so they could use the spring as a water supply for the city. He played such a central role in the early days of Auckland’s development that nearby streets and streams bear the name of his family and endeavours. The namesakes of Motions Road, Motions Creek and Old Mill Road are a testament to the Motions family, but the real essence of their history can be found in a grand homestead that still stands perfectly preserved today.

Dating back to 1878, this impressive estate is one of Auckland’s oldest houses. From acting as a boutique bed and breakfast to its current role as a special family home, this landmark has led a varied 139 year life. Now after eight years with its current owners, an opportunity has arisen for a new custodian to care for this historic homestead. Sitting on an enormous 2,147 square-metre site on Western Springs Road, it’s almost unheard of for a private residence of this size in central Auckland to become available.

grand-entrance

The estate boasts nine bedrooms and nine en suites, which are split between two buildings – the main homestead and recently built five bedroom guest house. It’s a home where the past and present exist comfortably side by side. Great care has been taken to restore and maintain its heritage features, which include double wrap around verandahs, original fireplaces and French doors that open out to panoramic views of the city. Each room has also been updated to accommodate modern family life thanks to sympathetic renovations undertaken by the current and previous owners.

The house sits down a private drive, nestled into an elevated ridgeline and commands sweeping views of the cityscape. Its north-facing, manicured grounds feature a gas heated swimming pool and spa which are overlooked by a generous gazebo – perfect for summer parties.

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The historical weight of this home is one of its defining features but you’ll also quickly notice that it’s a place that’s built for entertaining. The original house features an elegant formal dining room and covered conservatory, and the entire lower level of the guest house is home to an extraordinary full size private bar, completely decked out like a gentleman’s club. This glittering past of dinner parties, weddings and special occasions are central to this home’s remarkable story and create a real sense of its collective history.

Situated on the edge of Fowlds Park with easy access to the motorway and just down the road from Kingsland’s bustling bars and cafes this home enjoys a peaceful, suburban location with the convenience of central city living.

As the children of the home’s current owners have slowly moved out, they’ve decided it’s now time to downsize and give someone else the prestigious role of custodian. Whether it continues as a family home, reverts back to luxury accommodation or transforms into something entirely new this grand dame is ready to begin a new chapter.

For more information and to find out how you can seize the rare chance to own this historic piece of paradise contact Carl Madsen on 021 953 152 or Luke Dallow on 027 291 0476.

Details:

For sale by negotiation 
Carl Madsen on 021 953 152
Luke Dallow on 027 291 0476
Barfoot & Thompson (Licensed REAA 2008)

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