Looking for a way to bring three generations closer together, the Abela family of Pukekohe decided the ideal solution was one property with two separate dwellings.
Sam and Chelsea, along with three-year-old Briar, lived about ten minutes’ drive from Sam’s recently retired parents, Vince and Fran. With the family keen to find the right property, Sam called in Kane Needham of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Pukekohe, to help.
“We were in no hurry and thought the plan might take five years to come off. But when we first spoke to Kane, he was just about to market a property that he thought we should look at, so it all happened much quicker,” says Sam.
As it turned out, the property was just opposite Sam’s former primary school and 500 metres down the road from his childhood home.
“Set on one hectare of manicured grounds and close to sought-after schools, the property offers space, privacy and convenience. It’s the full package,” says Kane.
While the Abelas had been looking for a property with enough space to build a second dwelling, this one already had a large three-car garage with a studio apartment, making it an even better fit. They saw the potential to convert the building into a 70 square metre minor dwelling. Its proximity to the motorway was another advantage, giving Sam an easier commute to work in Pakuranga.
The property was built in 2003 for a well-known local family, who had decided it was time to move on. Kane was confident it would attract plenty of interest.
“We had a quick look just after Kane launched the marketing campaign. We were keen, and it all fell into place quickly. Although the property attracted other offers, ours was accepted, and we then went through the process of selling our two properties,” says Sam.
Adapting the second dwelling became the family’s next priority.“Having a structure there already, rather than building from scratch, and making it a renovation rather than a new build, was a big bonus,” says Sam.
Another advantage was that many of the practicalities involved in adding a second dwelling had already been taken care of. Elsewhere, the family might have faced the challenge of installing a septic system and connecting water and power, as well as adding driveway access.
Not so here.
For this property, with the existing studio apartment, all that infrastructure is already in place,” says Sam.
Recently retired from a career as an architect, Vince is putting his experience to work on the project, planning internal and external modifications including windows, ranch sliders and a full kitchen and bathroom.
“Dad has years of experience, and we did plenty of due diligence prior to our offer going unconditional. Despite the joys of renovating, we know we can do this,” says Sam.
A former landscape designer, Fran is also putting her professional skills to use on the new property.
“Mum has grand plans for planting, including an orchard, flower beds and vege gardens. It’s a blank slate for her,” says Sam.
What the Abelas thought could be a five-year search has instead become the beginning of a new family chapter much sooner than expected. For Kane, the outcome could hardly have worked out better for both parties.
“It’s definitely a win-win,” he says.
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