A CENTURY OF MEMORIES

A relaxed clifftop home looking to the city’s outer islands and harbour provides a perceptual departure from urban bustle, writes GABRIELLE NOOIJEN.

Two things have remained constant since Graeme Emerson’s grandfather bought the land at 617 Riddell Road precisely 100 years ago.

The transcendent view and honoured coastal position are the fabric of his family’s story and has been the backdrop for a catalogue of fond and enduring memories.

“We’re living on top of a semi-private beach, while still being in Auckland. It’s phenomenal to every day see the sky and the sea change,” Graeme says.

Perched above, and with direct access to Karaka Bay beach, where Graeme and Joelyn Emerson’s family have spent endless summers.

“The beach is a two-minute walk away down a track that my grandfather built and landscaped himself to get the horse and supplies up to the property,” he says.

It’s a path well traversed by generations of the Emerson family.

“The grandchildren and great grandchildren have spent so much time on that beach and swimming from the pontoon. The location is spectacular,” Graeme adds.

Certainly, it’s a family home in every sense.

Set over three levels and presiding over a spectacular 761sqm clifftop site, the home has a suitably informal charm in line with its coastline location, overlooking the ocean and overlapping islands.

Fronted by floor to ceiling windows and an expansive deck, the view to the water is clear, and what Graeme describes as, “Ever shifting and always breathtaking.”

The home was built in 1945, though it stands today as the product of significant remodeling and extensions Graeme carried out in the 1980s, retaining parts of its splendid heritage like the coal range unearthed in the process. The renovation extended the home including the addition of separate guest accommodation.

Home to some three generations at times, the house’s format permits both capacity and flexibility.

Guest accommodation provides two of the home’s five bedrooms, as well as a separate lounge and bathroom. The large third level master bedroom opens onto a private balcony.

The property is marketed by Bayleys agent David Nightingale, and to be sold at auction.

“This is the first time on the market in nearly 100 years. This much-loved clifftop property has provided through the generations, it’s the epitome in relaxed coastal living with a window wonderland of breathtaking scenic coastal views,” Nightingale says.

“The beach is a two-minute walk away down a track that my grandfather built and landscaped himself to get the horse and supplies up to the property.”

“The possibilities saturate your imagination to enjoy the benefits of clifftop living with beach access and views that will simply take your breath away, every day.“

With the exception of several years in Wellington, Graeme has lived at the address since his birth. He’s a strong patron of the area, and with good reason.

“It’s always been peaceful, there’s no main road through Glendowie. There are great restaurants and St Heliers is only minutes away. The waterfront drive to the city is my favourite, and the beaches and parks in the immediate area are brilliant.”

Sale: Auction, September 2 Contact: David Nightingale, Bayleys, 027 227 2949