Friday, 2 October 2009

Friday My Town Shoot Out - Building



Welcome to this week’s My Town Shoot-out - "A photo study of a building", chosen by The Town blogger team. The hardest part was choosing the building. I've decided on my daughter and son-in-law's home in suburban Auckland.

In 1951 Kevin Shroeder, was searching Auckland for a home for himself and his new wife. He purchased the land in 1951 and then moved the house, which had been built in the early 1930s in Remuera, on to the land. It was one of three original houses in the street at the time, the rest of the area being in orchards and farmland.

Originally the house was half the size of its current size, and it's far from a big house now. Kevin sold the house and built a bigger house on the same block of land, at the back of this house, for his expanding family. He lived in that same house and was a wonderful neighbour to J & B, until he died about a month ago.

The lounge and 3rd bedroom were added in 1970s.

When J and B bought the house, Kevin was able to tell them the history of the house. He even allowed them to copy some of his old original photos but unfortunately J's scanner is frizzled at the moment. He was proud of the fact that it had been a happy home for his and two other families over the years. All three previous owners had conceived their children there and the first two had raised their families there. The couple who sold the house to J and B found out they were pregnant 4 days after signing the sale documents. (So, can you see why I figure there are more grandchildren on my horizon?)




















25 comments:

  1. What a lovely story and the photos too!

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  2. Interesting history. Hope the grandchildren come!

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  3. so cool to know the history of your house.(meaning present owners) and the surrounding area is so beautiful. have a fabulous weekend!

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  4. I like your tidbit of information. It looks like a very cozy house, and I love the french doors leading out onto the deck.

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  5. yep, grandchildren - you buy a house with that history, a FAMILY home - it is immediately apparent that starting (enlarging?) a family is manditory.

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  6. What a charming house and grounds. Like many others I chose a public building for my shoot, but I really like the idea of using a personal home. Thank you.

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  7. I liked the details and the blurb. It's good to get an overall idea of things. I particularly like the Tui pic!

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  8. How lucky to know the history of their home.

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  9. I've heard from GB about people 'moving houses' - it has a totally different meaning in this part of the world. Here, it simply means the people change dwelling not the dwelling changes location.

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  10. A house full of promise and love. What more do you need? Maybe a doting grandmother who is a good photography and ever ready to snap a few enchanting pics. Thank you for sharing the love.

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  11. This was a post in which the subject matter was interesting, but the photography was outstanding. Terrific job. I also enjoyed the commentary.

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  12. Love these - esp the Japanese Magnolia there with the house *smiling*

    (we have a creek, too, that runs from the mountain, down in front of our house, down into the larger creek andthen to the larger and then on and on it goes. . . )

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  13. It must be springtime in NZ, with the trees abloom. Is that a magnolia in the 3rd photo? And I really like that rustic outdoor furniture that they have. Love these details.

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  14. I love the style of the houses in NZ and also in Australia ever since. It's so neat plus the clean surroundings. Thanks for the photos of you daughter's house and it's history.

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  15. Great story to go with the photos! I really like the photo with the flowers in the forefront, it is interesting.

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  16. What a beautiful, cozy, home that shines with love!

    You did a great job capturing all the details that make up the whole.

    Wonderful photos!

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  17. What a lovely, personal choice for your post. I'll bet you're right about more grandchildren in your future.....good luck!

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  18. How wonderful to know the history of the home!

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  19. such a charming home. enjoyed the photos!

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  20. What a lovely cozy house with history. I love it. Great photos. I like the way you framed the house with the flower and the last shot, although it is not the house, it is a view form the house, and that counts for a super shot.

    Well done.

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  21. That is one big bottle brush shrub
    or quite a small bird

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  22. I have many friends who find out the history of anything they buy, and says it makes the purchase more meaningful... You have made this house more meaningful to us, thanks!

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  23. What a beautiful tulip tree (is that what it's called?). Such a sweet story. I love the deck - it looks like a wonderful place to have a family dinner!

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  24. What a lovely post, Pauline. Visiting via the fabulous Firebyrd's blog, & really enjoying yours.
    Had great friend from Auckland during my London days, so glad to have a sighting of even a small portion of the place: thank you!

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