Newspaper Article 1994 – Interest in house

Interest in house

Enormous public interest in the former Franssen home in Fitzroy Avenue in the nine months that Judy and George Woodham have lived in it is part of the reason they are considering reselling.

They bought what agents described as one of the last big Hastings properties for $390,000 in September last year, well below its government valuation of $522,000.

It will probably go on the market later this year round the $500,000 mark, minus the 1328-square-metre orchard off the 5643-square-metre property.

Two sections of 664 square metres, one fronting Cornwall Park, are already on the market at $90,000 and $85,000, the couple say. The new government valuation on the separate titles is $500,000.

“We had a lot of hassles over the services to the sections.

“Services approved by council to come through Roberts St were met with protest by a Roberts St resident as digging was proceeding.

“The resident was concerned that shrubs belonging to the park  were being demolished.

“There has been an enormous amount of interest in our house since we bought it.

“Strangers have called wanting to see the progress made,” Mrs Woodham said.

Mr Woodham cut off half the garage with an upstairs bedroom to make access for the sections.

They have renovated the kitchen, stripped the rimu floors and doors, and carpeted upstairs.

A cook’s bedroom is now a laundry.

They have spent $25,000 and a lot of time on the five bedroom house.

Photo captions –

Judy and George Woodham outside the Hastings Franssen house they are considering selling.

The new kitchen.