Address | 79 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead Point

Agent | Julie Shand – 021 634 787

Open Homes | Saturday and Sunday 11.30am – 12.15pm. Wednesday 6.00pm – 7.00pm

Auction | Sunday 14th March 2021 12:00pm (On site)

The elegant weatherboard house at 79 Hinemoa St is part of the fabric of the North Shore and owners Suzanne and Rob Haydon have enjoyed tracking the property’s progress through the years. “The section was established in 1900 and the house was built in 1910 by a local builder with the flash name of Marmaduke Souster,” Rob says. The Souster family were well known local builders in this period and Marmaduke Souster was also a designer and a contractor/supervisor. “In 1915 it was bought by the Verran family, who were North Shore identities, and they owned it until 1991. We have the original title and it shows the changes going through three generations of the family.”

The house had been renovated when Suzanne and Rob bought it. Previous owners had added an extension at the back accommodating a big living room, kitchen and dining space opening out to an expansive deck, and Suzanne and Rob followed up when they bought it by adding a double garage with a loft space, and a second storey foramaster suite. All the renovations have followed the style of the original house. High ceilings, original kauri floors, bay windows and several sets of French doors provide an authentic setting for a blend of contemporary sophistication and versatile family living.Amodern designer kitchen, adjoining dining area, formal lounge and an informal living areas open to a two-tiered deck ideal for outdoor entertaining. There are four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and the loft over the garage, which can be used as an office or rumpus room, or could be converted into a permitted self-contained sleep-out suitable for extended family or guests.

The upper level master suite, built just five years ago, is the piece de resistance. Harcourts agent Julie Shand describes it as a luxurious private haven with awalk-in wardrobe, lounge, beautiful big bay window and a balcony with 180-degree views across the harbour. There were strict controls over the design of the second level and Suzanne says it is a true reflection of the heritage architects who designed it. “But it’s the things you can’t even see that make this house so special,” Rob says. “It has a warm, welcoming, homely feeling, and you get the feeling that it must have been a happy home throughout its history.” The position of the house, set
above the road, enables views of the harbour even from the ground floor. There is the added
bonus of exclusive use of two entrances—one on Hinemoa St and the other on Maritime Terrace. The location is an easy stroll to Little Shoal Bay and to the Birkenhead Ferry Terminal at the bottom of Hinemoa St, from where it’s a pleasant 10-minute crossing to the city. There’s also easy access to the Northern and Southern Motorways.

The couple will miss the house with its wonderful light and heritage features, the great location and the views, but they are ready to downsize and are looking forward to their next adventure.