Go ahead and build some dreams
Stunning properties could make life like permanent holiday
Most Kiwis try to get away for a few days to a rented bach or hotel room over summer, but the rich and famous live it up on a grander scale. They can afford to buy entire islands all for themselves, or stunning Auckland and Waiheke Island mansions with views that make you feel you’re on holiday year round.
Take a look at some of the most stunning and interesting properties on sale this summer.
Northland’s Motukawaiti Island
It can be hard to find a spare room in the Bay of Islands during the busy summer season — yet that wouldn’t be a problem once you’d bought Motukawaiti Island, just north of the Bay of Islands.
Also known as Step Island, it is the only privately owned island in the Cavalli Islands group.
Yet the privacy and luxury of taking a spa bath while overlooking your own beach comes at a cost.
The island’s Chinese owners late last year were reportedly asking $16 million for the island. For that price, you’ll get the 37.9ha island with its private beach, lodge, small cottage, outdoor spa and boat jetty.
Waiheke’s Te Rere Cove estate
If you want glamorous island living a bit closer to the Big Smoke, then Waiheke Island’s Te Rere Cove vineyard and mansion may suit.
Recently valued at $24m, the 13.9ha property at 205 and 205a Church Bay Rd was developed by businessman David Parkinson and wife Dee Crawford and includes its own vineyard.
The 1800sq m home has a six-car garage, $40,000 mosaic floor in the shower, wine cellar capable of holding more than 1000 bottles and helipad outside.
The large indoor swimming pool even includes a home theatre and projector so you can watch movies while floating on air beds.
$24m Remuera mansion
To get summer views over Auckland’s harbour without stepping foot outside your own infinity pool, then a 5109sq m Remuera property now up for sale could be the one for you.
Coming with a master bedroom en suite and walk-in wardrobe bigger than most bedrooms in other houses, the three-storey 6 Garden Rd home has a council valuation of $24.5m.
Should you have the cash to afford that, you’ll get a four-car garage, tennis court and full-sized billiards room encased in oak panelling in return.
But you may need to be quick, there has been strong interest in the home, according to marketing agent Michael Boulgaris.
Marc Ellis’ former Waiheke home
If you want a home with a celebrity connection, then you could take a look at the luxury Waiheke mansion built by former All Black Marc Ellis, which is now back on the market.
Ellis bought the land at 13 Alan Murray Lane in 2013 for $1.65m before building the expansive home.
He and his ex-wife Agustina Mon later sold it to Auckland property tycoon Ted Manson for $8.2m in 2016 after their marriage ended.
Now Manson has put the fourbedroom, four-bathroom property back up for sale after redecorating it and adding a helicopter pad.
Marketing agent Boulgaris recently told the Herald the home was “impeccable” and had “all the bells and whistles”. “It’s actually one of the nicest properties I’ve ever witnessed.”
AC/DC rocker’s Tauranga home
If you’re more a fan of music royalty you might want to check out the Tauranga waterfront mansion of AC/ DC band member Phil Rudd.
The legendary band’s Aussie-born drummer has lived in Tauranga since 1983 and for a possible $4.1m you can buy his six-bedroom pad.
Stretching across 586sq m, the home includes two kitchens, four living areas and a five-car garage, and has views over Mount Maunganui.
Your own private Waiheke beach
Rudd’s mansion is in a gated community for privacy, but for about the same price you could buy one of Waiheke’s most private addresses.
The modest-sized 279sq m home at 677 Orapiu Rd’s major selling point is that it gives you access to your own stunning beach and private inlet.
Situated on 5.3995ha of land, it has a council valuation of $4.15m.
Beachfront Devonport home
For beachfront access in Auckland’s city limits, a Devonport “character cottage” owned by the same family since it was built could suit you better.
The lawns of the cottage at 14 Arawa Ave not only front straight on to Cheltenham Beach but they also offer some of the clearest views of Rangitoto Island.
This is the first time the home with its “cherished views” and “heartstopping beachfront position” has gone on sale after generations in the same family, according to marketing agents Bayleys.
Remuera Penthouse
For ocean views and Auckland apartment living rolled into one, the more than $6m Remuera penthouse atop the St Marks development may be more your style.
Purchased by an American richlister couple who earlier planned to immigrate to Auckland, the penthouse has now gone up for sale without the family ever moving in.
It includes sweeping 180-degree views over the Waitemata¯ Harbour and Rangitoto Island, a designer French cook top — alone worth up to $100,000 — and even a separate en suite for a nanny.