23 Cedar Road Epsom, Auckland City

Cicero, of the late Roman Empire, once wrote that "if you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need". In homes built today, the combination of the two are becoming harder to find, so when you do stumble across a gem that holds both, don't hesitate.

Standing strong since 1929, on an elevated north-facing site, this wonderful home has watched over the decades as our beautiful city grew up around it. Built and then owned by the founder of Upton's hardware store, the home has stood the test of time, testifying to the quality and craftsmanship that went into designing something to last the ages. Later owned by Sir Wilson Whineray for around 18 years, this was a much-loved family home of the Rugby Hall of Famer, as it is today by the current owners, who have cared for and enjoyed the home for the past 24 years. Sitting on a whopping 1502m2, this wonderful home has everything that any family could ask for, including the understated elegance and heritage that it has carried for the past 90 years. This DGZ home is well suited to a growing family, with four/five bedrooms, an abundance of living and entertainment options, indoor / outdoor flow through to the pool, as well as a great Astroturf area where children can kick a ball, bounce on a trampoline, or - if you're up for it - your teenagers could host a party with friends. And for the golfers looking to work on their game, there is even a practice putting green and netting for a full swing. So, on the garden front, you're more than sorted, but Cicero also mentioned a library. Don't worry, a house built in the 1920s is bound to have a few secrets tucked away. Hidden behind a secret door sits a beautifully designed reading nook, with shelves just waiting to be filled with stories and family photos.

Homes like this are truly rare in Auckland today as the city continues to grow and develop, and a secret room truly makes this property a diamond in the rough. Don't look back and wonder "what could have been".