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Charming cottage

A WORK OF ART AND ENDEAVOUR

It takes a clever person to meld old world charm with contemporary style and Lynne Petty is undoubtedly gifted when it comes to seeing the potential to turn a tired cottage into a breathtaking showpiece. She recently revealed the result to HELEN PERRY. Turn to page 40 for more.

LynneandRexPetty.

JUST A STEP FROM THE SHORE

Many a passerby on The Parade at Bucklands Beach has admired the picture-perfect cottage at No 18. This pristine and regenerated property stands out among surrounding double storey, largely brick, concrete and glass buildings and is home to Rex Mangin and Lynne Petty.

Six years in the making, the original cottage – looking out to sea – has been transformed inside, extended at the back and further enhanced by the addition of decks and the development of a beautiful garden.

Naturally, my expectation was that the ‘makeover’ would impress but I didn’t expect the stunning metamorphosis Lynne showed me.

“It all began a number of years back when the cottage was a nurses retreat owned by Auckland Hospital and operated by the Auckland Nurses and Midwives Rest and Recreation Society to provide a retreat for nurses,” she explains.

“My mother, who often stayed with my brother, just a few houses away, always vowed she would buy the property if it ever came on the market but that remained just a dream. My mum passed away before the property came up for sale.”

Although Lynne’s mum would never own the cottage, Lynne was determined to make it hers. Attending the auction she wore her mother’s locket for luck and, as luck would have it, by the end of the day she and Rex owned the property.

They agreed the house at that stage may have been “a dunga” but the position was perfect – straight across the road from the sea. Later, that proved to be a problem.

“King tides which occur quite frequently, were back-flowing through the stormwater drains and flooding the whole of The Parade, quite badly on occasions,” the couple concurs. high-tech valves were installed – no more flooding. However, a major storm event can still cause problems.

“The ocean just comes right on in over the top of the beach,” Lynne says. “This happened not long after we moved in; not a problem. When the original cottage was built this eventuality had been allowed for.

“The cottage is above flood level, however the garage isn’t and a big storm flooded it. Our antique furniture and a lot of household effects, including two cars, were all lost.”

Despite the issues, Rex and Lynne were undeterred in their plan to restore the cottage and, with help from their builder son-in-law, they started work about 12 months after

“My mother, who often stayed with my brother, just a few houses away, always vowed she would buy the property if it ever came on the market but that remained just a dream. My mum passed away before the property came up for sale.”

Photos Wayne Martin

moving in. “Our previous home was dubbed the ‘Chilton Hilton’; from that you’ll guess downsizing was always going to be a struggle so the plan called for the cottage to be extended – sensitively – as well as renovated,” Lynne says.

“I do recall saying to Rex, we may have moved from the Ritz to the Pits but we could create something really special and, fortunately, Council was very sympathetic, realising we not only wanted to retain the property’s charm but also to enhance it.”

And, indeed, the couple have created a home which constantly attracts admiring comments but the end result entailed a great deal of hard work complemented by Lynne’s interior design and needlework skills.

A former seamstress, she worked for the late Vinka Lucas, who for many years owned Maree de Maru bridal salon in the city. There, this multi-talented lady learnt to sew a fine seam and to execute the finest stitches and beadwork on delicate and beautiful fabrics.

Now, her handiwork can be seen in the many exquisitely detailed items which decorate her walls – photo frames showcasing an array of jewellery deftly pinned to a backdrop of colour-co-ordinated silks and satins – just one of the very novel ways she has chosen to highlight a lifetime of memorabilia.

Among her ‘artworks’ there is a stunning brooch given to her grandmother by her grandfather on the couple’s engagement at the outbreak of the First World War.

“My grandfather was heading overseas so he had the word ‘mizpah’ – meaning, ‘God be with you till we meet again’ – inscribed on the brooch. It still makes me feel emotional and is very precious.” Throughout the house, Lynne’s gift for placement, and eye for detail have produced a dramatic colour scheme of orange, ivory, and black with eclectic accessories. However, before the décor, structural renovation was the priority.

Walls were removed to create open plan living, doors were repositioned, a new kitchen and ensuite installed, decks built and, of course, the extension, with extra rooms, added. Every room of the original cottage was gutted.

The former front entranceway has also disappeared, replaced by a light filled, walk-through to the master bedroom behind which the original toilet (which stepped down to a laundry, then stepped up to a shower) has gone, too. Rex and Lynne recreated this area into a beautiful bathroom and large dressing room/walk-in wardrobe. redesign of layout has created an office plus a unique area to display more memorabilia and family treasures.

Then it is just a step into the extension featuring a guest bedroom, main bathroom, exceptional storage and a laundry utility room for their two Bichon Frise dogs, Ruby Rose and Abby Rose.

Outside, two partially covered decks, which attract the sun and take advantage of the views, provide for outdoor relaxation and entertaining while the rear garden is a picture from every angle.

“It has been a lot of hard work but the end result has been worth every day spent getting it right,” Lynne says. “I just wish my mother could know we had secured the place she so admired and could see the transformation. I’m sure she would be thrilled.”

CITY RAIL LINK: GREAT DAME DIGS – AND PHIL’S IN!

Politics may bore many people but, when politicians lent a helping hand to set wheels in motion for Auckland’s City Rail Link, (ironically) ‘boring’ was far from boring.

“The official start of tunnelling represents an important milestone on Auckland’s journey towards providing a world-class, 21st century transport network,” Auckland Mayor, Phil Goff, said of the official launch of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), named Dame Whina Cooper – who was far from boring!

The tunnels will play a vital role in the overall City Rail Link, ‘on track’ until (and in another way, after) completion in late 2024. The link is expected to ease pressure on the beleaguered road network, which should be great news for local commuters who work in the city.

Although the first 50 metres of tunnel at the Mt Eden site had already been mined, the TBM is now at work excavating the remainder of the 1.6km tunnel which will run under the motorway and connect with the CRL (City Rail Link) tunnels already constructed from the Britomart Station.

“When complete, the City Rail Link will transform rail travel in Tamaki Makaurau,” Mr Goff believes. “It will carry up to 54,000 people an hour, moving the equivalent capacity of three Auckland Harbour Bridges or 16 extra traffic lanes into and through the city at peak times.” BORINGON:TransportMinister,MichaelWood, andAucklandMayor,PhilGoff,startTBM.

Joined by another boring enthusiast, Transport Minister Michael Wood,

Mr Goff pressed a button to start the machine in May. Such ‘shovelready’ projects also provide further benefits, Mr Wood adds.

“Building infrastructure like the City Rail Link is part of our Covid-19 economic plan – this project is providing real jobs and opportunities for thousands of Aucklanders. It’ll give us a stepchange in our public transport and cultivate a diverse and highlyskilled workforce.”

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WHEN home is not a house!

Home for most people is usually an apartment or a house but for some people ‘home’ is a mobile unit – a caravan or a campervan. Although life on the road may sound idyllic, before embarking on such a lifestyle it’s important to do your research and to plan appropriately.

First, find the right vehicle for you and get to know it – don’t rush into buying and make the wrong choice. Selling one van to buy another which better suits your needs can prove costly – one option is to rent before you buy.

Storage will be limited so you may have to discard some possessions or store them elsewhere. Think carefully about what you need to be comfortable and what you can dispense with.

If your sharing, personal space will become precious; living in close proximity to another, even a loved one, may become trying at times.

Plan a way to provide for some privacy and time out when needed. Also, consider heating, the type of toilet system, (including dispensing with waste), water storage, and power supply.

Pets are generally inadvisable– even a small dog needs room to exercise and may not be welcome at all camp sites. In an enclosed space pets can be messy and smelly. Life on the road can lead to wonderful connections with other people but stay in camp sites which are safe and secure with some amenities. Freedom camping may be cheap but not always safe.

The cost of living can be less than running a regular property but budget wisely and don’t let the housework slip; it’s easy to get into a muddle. Frequent relocation can also become stressful.

Have the correct insurance and keep registration and warrants up to date. Have brakes regularly checked, drive a safe distance from other vehicles and limit your speed – pull over to let queues pass by.

Know the height and width of your vehicle so you can pass safely under low clearance bridges and through entrance ways.

There is much to learn about campervan living so do your research and talk to others; if you’re well prepared, such a lifestyle could be the ideal solution to housing woes!

STRATEGY IMPERATIVE

FOR INVESTMENT PROGRESS

MATT BUCKERIDGE from enable.me talks about the benefit of financial strategies for businesses.

At this time we are hearing one question over and over again: “what’s the best investment I can make right now?”

It makes perfect sense, amid super-low interest rates, to chase better returns. But, that search often overlooks the place where you can make the biggest gains: your business’s financial strategy.

Often small business owners, in particular, are immersed in, or overwhelmed by, the day-to-day running of the business. Ideas for working on a strategy to grow it and make it more profitable can be overwhelming. But a defined, measurable, overarching strategy will help you purposefully grow wealth and avoid the downfalls associated with doing things on the fly.

Improving and growing a small business is a unique challenge, because the owners’ personal situation and financial trajectory is often inextricably tied to the business.

The statistics show many small businesses are cashflow negative and many owners rely on their personal finances to manage business cashflow. That can work both ways – your personal situation can put pressure on the business, just as the business can limit your personal progress. This is why making sustainable progress requires a strategy which optimises both.

That’s where enable.me – financial strategy and coaching – can become your biggest asset. Our business coaches help to develop a strategy you’re invested in and which seeks to optimise and grow your business. They’ll help you measure what matters, identify quick tactical wins, plan for the future, and will hold your hand and hold you accountable.

At the same time, our coaches can ensure your strategy also aligns with your personal goals; what you need to live a satisfying life and build personal wealth. Marrying both your personal and business aspirations provides an opportunity to maximise your progress.

enable.me is currently offering a 90-minute initial consultation with business coach, Matt Buckeridge, for just $199. Matt brings 20 years of experience, a wealth of knowledge, as well as positivity, inspiration, and commitment to small business owners keen to grow their business.

So, book now at www.enable.me – it just might be the best investment you make this year.

What’s the best investment you can make in 2021? Your financial strategy.

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BANK OF MUM AND DAD

Are you considering helping your child buy a first home?

Partner, PENNY JONES from Wynyard Wood talks about the pros and cons of lending adult children money to buy a home.

With Auckland house prices at an all-time high and far outstripping wage increases, it has never been more difficult to buy a first home. New LVR restrictions from March 1, 2021 require an owner-occupier to have a 20% deposit. With the Auckland median house price at $1,100,000, this means a deposit over $200,000. It is no wonder that many parents are keen to help if they can.

So what is the best way to help?

Gift — You can gift funds to your child. Banks prefer this as your child is not required to pay it back to you. Your child will prefer it as they are able to proceed independently. However, you will not be able to call back this gift if you need funds later in life.

Loan — You can lend funds to your child. This has the advantage that you can call it up if you need it or if your child is experiencing difficulties in a relationship or business. This benefits both you and your child. However, banks do not like dealing with another loan although they sometimes accept a loan with no interest payable, no security and only repayable on the sale of the property.

Guarantee — You can use the equity in your home to guarantee a part of your child’s bank loan. This is good in that you are not parting with your savings. However, the bank’s lending criteria are getting stricter (difficult for retired parents) and you also risk being liable to the bank if your child defaults on the bank loan.

Share ownership — You can buy a property together with your child. You will benefit from any capital gain made. You are, however, involved in their bank borrowing and would need a very clear agreement drawn up to cover how the arrangement will work including the ability to exit.

So, there are many options to consider. What is essential is that you obtain good legal advice to work out the best option for you.

LIKE NOW... REALLY?

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To make your future even better than you thought, commence your ‘interesting’ journey... immediately. Ask ‘Uncle Google’ to find some help under the heading, ‘How to be Interesting’. Now listen to Vanessa van Edwards at www.scienceofpeople.com/ interesting/

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Go look at www. allthatsinteresting.com/ amazing-facts In Part 2 it’s all about you. Yes it will be.

Once you are ‘deliberately interesting’... a new world of opportunities opens up. If you don’t believe this, drink a glass of red wine, lie-down and mumble ‘I can do this!’... as you drift off to sleep. You will then wake up more interesting. Really!

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BANK OF MUM & DAD

It’s never been more difficult to buy your first home in Auckland. Often, parents are looking to help if they can. With so many options to consider, it is essential that you seek good legal advice. Contact Wynyard Wood today.

wynyardwood.co.nz/bomd Tel. 09 969 0126