A 10k school benefit

SANCTUARY: This home, valued at $1.1 million, is up for auction on March 6 with $10,000 going to Whangaparaoa Primary School if the school finds a buyer.

TRANQUIL: Brigitte and Jesse relax at home.

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An unusual fundraising opportunity has been offered Whangaparaoa Primary School.

Grant and Brigitte Legendre, whose son goes to the school, want to sell their Arkles Bay home, worth about $1.1 million, in a silent auction and donate $10,000 if the school can find a buyer.

It’s a godsend for the school, which faces an $800,000 budget cut, the money being diverted to fund lower decile schools.

Whangaparaoa Primary School Parents and Friends Association vice chairwoman Lee Tempest says schools already struggling will be hit hard by the change.

"The amount of money offered is huge for our school," she says. "It could be a great opportunity to fundraise for information technology for our classes.

"We are already on a tight budget and with the recent government announcement things will become even tighter."

The property for sale on Wade River Rd is unusual. A day spa runs from the premises and there is also a recording studio, home for independent record label Universal Records, and nearly a hectare of native bush, home to glow worms.

Grant, who has built several studios including the Crowded House Karekare studio, converted his
garage into a studio.

Brigitte says the family is ready for a change and intends moving north.

"We built the house, and have lived in it for just over 10 years. We’ve loved it here but we have land up north we want to build on.

"When our son Jesse started at Whangaparaoa School we heard the principal talk about fundraising and encouraging people to come forward with ideas. A few weeks later we had an idea that would help both of us. We talked to the principal and he loved it."

The property hosts a multi-level home, swimming pool, spa, and poolside dining area. Adjoining this is a grassed play area leading to a cabana bar with seating and a large open-fire barbecue for entertaining.

The home itself has three bedrooms and three bathrooms.

It also hosts Sanctuary Valley Day Spa, established five years ago by Brigitte.

"This small home business can either be carried on or the two rooms we are using can be turned into something else," she says.

"That’s what is great about the house, it is big enough to be flexible and secluded enough to make noise, or to relax undisturbed."

During the summer the property has been set up as a wedding and functions venue catering for up to 100 guests.

The pool, gardens and surrounding bush are well suited to bridal party photography and videos.

"So many people come here and say how nice it is to find such a secluded place still in Whangaparaoa. You can’t tell where you are," says Brigitte.

The home is being sold privately by silent auction, with the starting bid at $800,000.

"We have had so many issues with real estate agents, the house has been on the market for three years," says Brigitte. "We have learnt a lot. Now we want to try and think outside the box.

"We started our own website www.view.net.nz to create a place to list the property and allow people to see what is for sale."

Grant and Brigitte host an open day this Saturday from 1pm to 2pm.

The silent auction is on Saturday, March 6. Mention the school if buying.

- © Fairfax NZ News