WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE SEA
What’s better than living within sight of Devonport’s most iconic landmark? Living on it, writes ERIN REILLY.
When Rick and Pam Neville first laid eyes on 14 Macky Avenue in Devonport, North Shore City, almost 20 years ago, all they saw was potential.
Located mere metres from Cheltenham Beach and featuring a back gate which opens directly onto Maungauika North Head, the renovated 1920s property is the stuff of outdoorsy families’ dreams in one of the North Shore’s most exclusive suburbs.
Shortly after purchasing the property in 2004, Rick and Pam carried out a total renovation to make the floorplan more functional and open the home up to the light while retaining privacy and historic features.
Upstairs you’ll find the master suite and easy living, chef’s kitchen, and dining, while downstairs is home to three more bedrooms, another full bathroom, and a media room or second living area.
“Over the years we’ve had our three daughters and their families stay with us for extended periods, and the downstairs space has effortlessly absorbed them into the home,” says Pam.
“In recent years, we’ve redone the kitchen, decks, carpet, the roof – we’ve created a beautiful functional easy-care family home that we’re very sad to leave.”
The open-plan living spaces enjoy elevated sea views out towards Rangitoto Island, while large doors and decks blur the boundary between inside and out. “The front of our living space is my absolute favourite spot in the house,” says Pam.
“I like to sit in the sun on the sofa under the north-west facing bank of windows.
“Doors open onto the deck where we often enjoy lunch or catch the last of the evening sun. It’s just magical.”
Outside, the flourishing vegetable garden has brought much joy to Pam over the years.
“I’m a keen gardener, edibles over flowers, and we grow our own salad vegetables, tomatoes, passionfruit, citrus, plus so much more. It’s almost like we have our own micro-climate here with the shelter from the maunga next door.”
A garden gate opens directly onto North Head which Pam says makes it easy to get outdoors and experience the best of Devonport.
“Its elevation, sea views, proximity to the beach, mountain, and waterfront, as well as its easy access to Auckland City, makes it a sought-after location ...”
“As well as the tunnels on North Head you can walk over to the (not-so-secret-anymore) ‘secret’ beach on the headland of the maunga.
“We’ve always used the base of the mountain as an extension of our backyard – there’s basically a cricket pitch for the kids out there.”
Bayleys agent Linda Simmons, who is marketing the property with Emma Lynskey, says Macky Avenue is a very tightly held part of the area.
“Macky Avenue really is one of Devonport’s best,” she says.
“Once you’re here, you’re almost here for life. Its elevation, sea views, proximity to the beach, mountain, and waterfront, as well as its easy access to Auckland City, makes it a sought-after location that not many people have the pleasure of experiencing.”
Rick and Pam agree; while it’s time for them to move on, they’re only moving down the road.
“We’re at a stage in our lives where it’s time to downsize, but we adore this area. We’ve been really lucky to have secured a townhouse on the same street so we won’t be moving very far at all,” Pam says.
“This home is a beautiful place to live and it will be very hard to leave, but we’re very happy we still get to live this beautiful lifestyle.”
Sale: Auction, November 8 Contact: Linda Simmons, Bayleys, 027 459 0957; Emma Lynskey, 021 803 873