The naked truth about $6m beach property

A multimillion dollar property on one of Auckland’s most coveted streets, just metres from a popular nudist beach, has boldly arrived on the market.

According to the listing, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom, 1940s era home on Cliff Rd in St Heliers boasts ‘‘unobstructed superb sea, harbour and city views’’.

One image in the online listing, which brazenly demonstrates the view, features around five naked bathers at Ladies Bay beach, albeit in small proportions.

When approached about the image, listing agent Paul

Neshausen who also lives on the road, promised a reporter the pictures weren’t of him.

Asked why he hadn’t promoted the convenient access to a naturist hot spot more prominently in his listing, he said the demographic of buyers in the area ‘‘might see it as a negative’’.

However, Neshausen does write in the listing that the property is perfect for ‘‘basking in the sun’’. He eruditely observes (of the sun, of course): ‘‘When it’s out, it’s here!’’

According to his bio, Neshausen is ‘‘not afraid to stand out from the crowd to make a bold statement’’.

In his own words: ‘‘Everybody knows Paul Neshausen . . . his arresting ‘big money energy’ campaign pulled no punches around the city.’’

He told Stuff that a property on the coveted Cliff Rd only came up for sale once a year at most.

The capital values of houses on the road range from $6m to $9m, while Neshausen anticipates the listed property at number 59 will sell for in excess of $8m – a stark $2m above CV.

He said the record on the street for a sale was an eyepopping $17m a few years ago.

Neshausen believes it would be one of the top three most highly valued streets in the eastern bays.

It isn’t clear whether this is due to the popularity of the nearby beach. One user of nudistcompass.com, named Barewithme89, gave the beach a rating of five stars.

Mind you, the site’s users have some criticisms.

‘‘Great swimming spot but too many clothed people wandering by for a look,’’ remarked one.

Last year there were media reports that a man called the police after he discovered a group of 10 people engaged in an orgy while he was taking an after-work swim.

Orakei Local Board chair Scott Milne was quoted as saying he was disappointed there had been multiple reports of sexual activity at the beach.

‘‘You don’t want to take your kids down there and find there’s a bunch of blokes getting it off.’’

The beach has been a spot for naked bathing since the 1920s. Historically, the two sheltered coves on the Achilles Point headland were known as Lady’s Bay and Gentlemen’s Bay, providing distinct zones.

However, after a landslide cut off access to Gentlemen’s Bay, the remaining beach has been a haven for nature-lovers of all genders.

Being nude in public isn’t strictly legal, but Auckland Council has a sign posted at the beach that reads: ‘‘Discretion advised! Beyond this point you may encounter nude bathers.’’