PRIME POSITION
A stellar location on Bucklands Beach waterfront, this tightly-held property has been in one family for the last 35 years.
Having lived in Bucklands Beach almost all their lives, builder and sailor Peter Harding and his wife Julia always knew this was the home they wanted to buy if it ever came up because of its magnificent position.
Their daughter Susan says, “It did come onto the market in 1986 and 20 minutes after viewing it they decided to buy it and have since stayed 35 years!”
“It was all about the views and the position because it’s the last house at the end of the beach, about 30 metres away from the water at high tide. You can literally send the kids down to the beach and sit on the veranda and talk to them.”
Bayleys agent Angela Rudling says, “This may be the best position on the Bucklands Beach waterfront; an amazing spot tucked away from the wind with spectacular views.”
There are striking views from almost every room, including the Sky Tower and across the water to Rangitoto Island and the Gulf.
Susan says, “You see everyone on Little Bucklands Beach, children learning to sail Optimist boats, ferries leaving from Half Moon Bay and absolutely wonderful sunsets.”
As the driveway is only metres from the beach, the sailing enthusiasts kept a trailer sailer onsite.
In zone for the sought-after Macleans College and very near the boardwalk to Half Moon Bay from where ferries commute to the CBD, the property is a local landmark because of lavish Christmas lights Peter adorned it with every festive season.
“He did that for about 30 years up until the Christmas-before-last and it just got bigger and bigger with crowds of up to 1000 people a night,” Susan says. The couple would buy $1000 worth of lollies every Christmas and throw them to those admiring the glittering display incorporating a towering, illuminated balloon topped by an angel.
From acquiring the property, Peter being a builder maintained its brick and cedar construction as well as modernising interior elements such as bathrooms.
Prospective buyers to date include those happy to enjoy the home ‘as is’ and others who say its tidy condition would allow them to live in and experience it while planning renovations.
The lower level has an oversized internal-access garage, accommodating three cars, a workbench and storage for water toys.
Celebrating the views from the mid-level is a substantial lounge, adjacent dining-kitchen and a family room incorporating an office alcove. A bathroom and laundry complete this level.
You wake to sea views in the upper level’s master bedroom suite incorporating a sitting area and front deck. Two more bedrooms, a bathroom, powder room and studio, all used by Julia when she worked on her lace and tulle creations during her extensive dress making career, complete this level. Sale: Auction, July 28
Contact: Angela Rudling, Bayleys, 027 477 0176; Michael Chi, 021 886 363; Angela Leng 021 770 460