BEACHFRONT BLISS
The Subritskys bought these two beachfront properties 65 years ago before the Harbour Bridge had opened, writes SANDRA GOODWIN.
STANMORE BAY
5 and 7 Claude Road
4 4 2
This idyllic beachfront property and its neighbouring section, from where you can walk from the front lawn directly onto the beach, have been adored by a well-known Auckland family for 65 years.
The late Bill Subritzky founded NZ house building company Universal Homes, not long after in 1956 he and wife Pat bought this beachfront home and neighbouring section.
Their eldest child, Janne Breetvelt (nee Subritzky) says, “It was our holiday home and with my three siblings we had an idyllic childhood spending most weekends and school holidays here.”
It was purchased before the Auckland Harbour Bridge opened so the children can remember their father initially driving there from their Mt Roskill home via Riverhead in the big American cars he loved.
The family revelled in the location situated down a quiet cul-de-sac, swimming, sailing, water skiing and fishing.
One of his sons Paul Subritzky says, “Dad was the senior partner in a legal firm as well as running a building and housing company, so he loved the ability to get away.”
Early on Bill hosted free movie nights on the front lawn, announced with a notice at the corner dairy.
“I was the one who had to change the 16mm movie reels if dad had gone to sleep,” Paul says.
Janne recalls Number 7’s brick and weatherboard house was eventually stylishly extended but was always accompanied by a separate studio the children called “The Cottage”.
The single level home integrates an internal-access high stud double garage Bill thought he’d house a powerboat in, before a change of heart saw him buy a much larger launch instead.
The home awakes to the sound of the waves on its 872sqm north-facing site about a third of the way along the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
It used to be more squarefronted until designer David Scott re-modelled it, extending the living-dining area with an additional living area awash with glass, opening to a front patio.
Paul says, “They loved the 180-degree uninterrupted views from that front area.”
Nowadays decor is sleekly contemporary, including a svelte kitchen with Corian benchtops admiring the view.
The ensuited master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe includes a work alcove from where Bill could see the sea and opens to the patio. Two more bedrooms, one ensuited, plus a bathroomlaundry and powder room complete the layout.
The separate studio in similar style to the home has a kitchenette-equipped living area, bedroom and bathroom.
“It’s not every day you can buy a property where you walk right out the back door and onto the golden sands of a beautiful beach like Stanmore Bay.”
The Subritzky children recall how popular the neighbouring 746sqm section was with family friends wanting to share in the beachfront lifestyle.
Now Bill has passed away, both properties are being sold, the properties are to be sold either separately or together. The section is likely to attract someone wanting to build.
Bayleys agent Sue Donoghue says, “It’s not every day you can buy a property where you walk right out the back door and onto the golden sands of a beautiful beach like Stanmore Bay. I’m excited to be selling this house and its neighbouring section.” Sale: Auction, August 18 Contact: Sue Donoghue, Bayleys, 021 783 366; Anya Turner, 021 082 87639