THE GREAT ESCAPE
48 Cheltenham Rd
5 3 2
When the owners of this exceptional beachside home bought it in 1994 it was in a state of disrepair, having been converted into flats during previous decades. So in 2002 they commissioned architect Geoff Richards to transform it completely.
“To be honest, about the only thing left of the original house are the floorboards downstairs — it was a very, very major job,” the owner says.
He and his wife had three children under 5 at the time, so they moved out while the rebuild took place.
The resulting home perfectly fits in with its surroundings with lots of glowing, polished, native timber used throughout and the rooms are bright and airy, with high ceilings and enormous windows.
There’s great flow between the between the kitchen, dining, family and living areas on the ground floor and a huge wraparound veranda offers loads of space for entertaining or simply sitting and admiring the view.
There are also three bedrooms on this level, one with an ensuite, plus a family bathroom. The second storey comprises a bedroom, generous walk-in wardrobe, a bathroom and an office.
The owner says he and his wife can spend hours on the front veranda, just watching the world go by. “There is always something happening out there and although we can see people on the beach, we’re nicely elevated so they can’t see us,” says the owner.
When they want to take a walk along the sand or a dip in the sea, they simply open the gate at the end of the garden. The family are very keen on water sports, so loved the very convenient location right next to the water for sailing, kayaking and swimming, while the adjacent reserve works well as a cricket pitch.
“The kids were out there playing cricket one day a few years ago and Sonny-Bill Williams drove up, got out of his car and asked if he could join in, much to their excitement.
“I think what we’ll really miss is the happy sounds of children having fun. When ours were younger they always had friends around and because this is a close-knit neighbourhood, we all knew our children were safe, wherever they were.”
While life beside the beach never gets boring the shops and cafes at Devonport aren’t far away for a drink or a coffee in the sun and the ferry service offers commuters a pleasant, relaxed journey.
The owners have plans to do volunteer work overseas and their children have more or less left home, so it’s time to find something a little smaller.
Bayleys residential and waterfront specialist Victoria Bidwell says that properties on Cheltenham Beach are very tightly held and seldom come to market.
“This is an especially good house because everything flows so well, indoors and out, and it’s nice in the way that it’s set back a little bit from the sand, with some grass in between. It’s definitely a dream family home and I can honestly say that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity — especially now, with the America’s Cup happening.”
Sale: Price by negotiation Contact: Victoria Bidwell, Bayleys, 021 947 080