Lynette Hood, after residing in her home in Whanganui for 56 years, has made the difficult decision to bid farewell to the family home she shared with her late husband, Barry. This decision arose as Lynette and her daughter have chosen to purchase a lifestyle block together, where they intend to construct a residence suitable for both of them.
When Lynette and Barry purchased the plot on Cornfoot and Manuka Streets, they acquired the section for a mere £100, which amounts to approximately $1600 in today’s currency. Their excitement was palpable, given the property’s prime location just two blocks from the beach. They lovingly constructed their home there and cherished witnessing their children’s growth and development.
Lynette affectionately reminisces about Castlecliff as an idyllic place to raise a family. She expressed gratitude for the growth of the neighbourhood over the years and the support of her wonderful neighbours. Following Barry’s passing six years ago, Lynette resided in the home alone until she ultimately decided that it was time for a new family to create their own memories in the cherished space.
“I think people thought I was going to stay there forever, and I probably thought I was too, so there was a bit of a shock when the [for sale] sign went up on the fence,” Lynette shared, highlighting her daughter’s desire for her to be closer and less reliant on others for assistance.
The decision to part with the family home was not an easy one for Lynette. She had spent years honing her gardening skills on the property, disproving skeptics who doubted the possibility of thriving vegetation near the sea. Despite the doubts of some in Castlecliff, Lynette managed to cultivate an impressive array of plants and trees within her garden.
In recent years, Whanganui has gained popularity, particularly among investors and first-time buyers due to its affordability and proximity to the sea, as well as attractions such as the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui and the New Zealand Glass Works.
Lynette’s home, in need of a cosmetic update, features a well-considered layout suitable for family living. The property also includes a fenced garden, ideal for pets and children, as well as a spacious garage and workshop that can be easily converted into a two-car garage.
With a listing price of offers over $399,000 – above the median for Castlecliff – Lynette’s home is currently listed with Anthony Floyd and Leighton Toy for Property Brokers. The 97m² house sits on a 506m² section and is poised to welcome a new family eager to make it their own.
As Lynette bids farewell to the place that has been her sanctuary for decades, she reflects on the cherished memories and hopes that the next residents will find as much happiness and joy as she did. While it marks the end of an era, it also signals the start of an exciting new chapter for Lynette and her daughter.
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