Summer dreaming in Mission Bay stunner
From its golden beach to its popular walkway, summer in Auckland’s Mission Bay is something else. To secure your future here, you’d be hard-pressed to find a home more special - or surprising - than the nearby 66 Atkin Avenue, writes Jordan Gowan.
When owners Arnie and Viv Gielens first came across this 1930s brick home in 1999, they fell in love with it on the spot.
“It was nothing like it is now, but we could see the charm and character there,” Arnie says.
Signing the deal the same day, he recounts how the phone was ringing non-stop with interested buyers wanting to view the property. They might have been holding their breath, but they were the first to sign the dotted line - and it was theirs. These days, 66 Atkin Avenue is sure to attract as much attention, if not more. Zoned for Kohimarama School and Selwyn College, close to Orakei Train Station and an easy walk to Mission Bay, the location alone would make this a sought-after home before you even encounter the stunning living. Stepping inside, the interiors will delight from the exposed rimu floors to the remodelled kitchens and bathrooms.
For a time living in just the master bedroom and bathroom while renovating, before turning the tools on these, Arnie and Viv have renovated throughout: extending the living with a front deck to catch the sunsets, adding a third bedroom and installing an ensuite in the second bedroom. Fitted with 5 heat pumps and air conditioning, the living can be adjusted to the perfect temperature year-round. The discovery of a huge basement garage is a huge surprise: as Arnie reports, there’s enough room for 2 cars, a jetski and motorbike and still so much space left over. Together with the addition of a freestanding boat shed with high stud, there’s more storage than you could imagine - perfect for handymen, car enthusiasts, running a business from home or just storing the toys. Having lived here for 19 years, Arnie says its now time to move on.
“For Viv and I, it’s been fantastic - but nothing lasts forever and it’s time to say goodbye and let someone else make it their future.”