Buying a house directly behind her parents’ home has created intergenerational living for Georgia Mallia, her partner James and their two young sons. On settlement day Georgia’s mum got out her chainsaw and cut a hole in the fence between the two properties. Georgia and James value that closeness.

How did you know you had found the right home?

We were staying with my mum and dad in Waikanae after moving back to my hometown from Gisborne, where we lived for about five years.

One day mum rang me to say the house directly behind mum and dad’s had come up for sale and we should take a look. We had been on a strict savings regime but hadn’t applied for a mortgage.

When we saw the 230 square metre house, we realised it was perfect for us. Our son Charlie was a very active toddler and the house had a lot of space. The location behind my parents’ house meant we could be close to them but have our own home.

What’s special about the house?

The house is solid and tidy. It would have been very grand when it was built in the 1970s by the owner and her husband, but it has dated. That’s great for us because we have two small boys and we don’t have to stress too much about the wear and tear created by active preschoolers. Charlie, who is now three, has a bike track through the kitchen, down the hall, through the lounge and back around.

I also love the fact we have room to convert the billiards room into a Nanny suite for James’s mother when she visits regularly from Gisborne. This area is slightly separate from the main part of the house and means Nana can take part in everything and have time out when she needs it.

There are quirks –1970’s shag pile carpet going up the walls instead of skirting boards and a pull out ‘powder table’ in the bathroom. That’s what they were into back then.

At this stage we can’t afford to renovate but we will upgrade the bathroom and kitchen when there’s some spare cash. The kitchen has both a gas and electric hob and an original General Motors wall oven. The cabinets are solid wood but the kitchen does need new bench tops.

There’s shag pile carpet in the bathroom, which doesn’t work well with small children.

How did it feel when you picked up the keys?

We felt relieved. Charlie is very full on and it was getting a bit much for mum and dad.  It’s perfect having our own space but being close to my parents. This morning Charlie woke up at 7am, escaped out the kitchen door and went to visit Nana for breakfast.

We have also realised how much we like Waikanae. It’s very peaceful and safe for children – that’s important to us with a growing family.

Have you had any special milestones in your new home?

It was lovely bringing our second baby Hunter into our own home. That was a special moment.

What advice would you give other first home buyers?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions – even if they feel like dumb questions – because agents have the knowledge and are happy to help.

Connect me with a local expert 

We’ve been helping Wellington create new home stories for 25 years. Yours is waiting for you at Tommy’s.

Book a free appraisal

Keep exploring stories like this one

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.