BUILT WITH ENERGY AND EMOTION
This Millwater development is about bringing the right product to the market, writes Leigh Bramwell
Moving into the area where her company’s new development was to be built was a smart idea for Stefanie Zhang.
She rented a house and set about finding out as much as she could about the Millwater community and their needs.
Stefanie, a director of Orient Victory New Zealand, has brought a broad range of skills to the development project — homes designed for those seeking a coastal village lifestyle.
The first of 12 houses are now almost complete and Stefanie is seeing the first stage of her vision realised.
Millwater Quadrant will provide buyers with a coastal lifestyle just north of Auckland, within minutes of Orewa’s beaches, shopping, restaurants and schools.
Stefanie says the development utilises leading edge design in line with the latest concept in townhouse living.
Small groups of low-rise structures each comprise just three terraced homes, underpinned by quality construction and materials. This provides for two end units each with three bedrooms and a double garage, and one centre unit with two bedrooms and a single garage.
The buildings have a contemporary vibe with a nod to retro style. Elegant weatherboarding is offset by brick detailing which combine to provide a low maintenance exterior.
The interiors are light and open with big windows, sliding doors, open plan living, two bathrooms in each townhouse, walk-in wardrobes, and Bosch kitchen appliances.
There have been a number of upgrades to the original design, with the kitchen cabinetry being extended, and bathtubs added to the bathrooms. In line with the Kiwi outdoor living requirement, each townhouse has terraces large enough to accommodate a table and chairs.
It’s expected that the showhome should be open later this month and the rest of the first 12 units finished by the end of October.
Karen and Stefanie see most buyers falling into the downsizers’ category, but emphasise that the flexibility of the homes means they could also be suitable for professionals and families.
“Millwater has always been a popular family area because of the good schooling,” Stefanie says.
Ultimately the large site will feature 46 residences, including two-storied medium density triplex and duplex townhouses along Millwater Parkway, moving through to freestanding residences in future stages.
“It’s about bringing the right product to the market,” Stefanie says. “From the first day I told all our consultants and builders that they must think about what their own parents would want in the last home they might own before moving to a retirement village.”