BEACHFRONT BEAUTY
With the beach in your backyard and schools and shops close by, this exceptional property is hard to beat, writes AMY HOULIHAN.
DEVONPORT
2 Old Lake Road
4 5 2
Often hovering around the top of lists heralding Auckland’s best beaches, Devonport’s Narrow Neck is loved by locals and visitors alike for its stretch of golden sand, lush reserve and safe swimming bay.
2 Old Lake Road boasts a prized position as the only home with direct gated access, with its wide frontage embracing the volcanic rock sea wall.
This extraordinary coastal location not only means swims straight from the back garden, but incredible, intimate views of Rangitoto and the busy channel.
The property is surprisingly private, tucked back off the road and protected by pohutukawa that drape over the sea wall. Plus, when the tide is in, no one can walk around in front.
Over the past two years, the current owner has undertaken a major architectural renovation and rebuild of the site’s previous residence.
It was the outlook that he wanted to better maximise, as well as to significantly modernise and rework the layout for easy contemporary living.
This extraordinary coastal location not only means swims straight from the back garden, but incredible, intimate views of Rangitoto and the busy channel.
“We did a full makeover on it, we stripped it back completely and now it’s concrete and battened cedar,” he explains.
“It has all new joinery - it was all single glazed and many of the previous openings were a lot smaller that you’d want nowadays, so we expanded them so that we get much better views from all the rooms.”
This iconic and everchanging spectacle is always alive with nautical activity, with both cruise and navy ships gliding down the channel and groups of yachts from famed local Wakatere Boating Club sailing in the bay.
Flanked by the islands of the Gulf and Coromandel, Rangitoto stands proudly centre-stage.
Aesthetically, the stylish three-level residence is all clean lines, architectural angles and pared back elegance. Oak flooring and soft carpets underfoot are complemented with natural textures, tones and hues throughout.
The main living level is on the second floor, where sets of enormous glass stacking doors are supported by a one tonne beam.
“You can open the whole thing up from the kitchen and dining so you flow straight from the house out onto the deck, which cantilevers a little bit,” he says.
They also reorientated the kitchen so that the chef doesn’t miss out on the view when they’re whipping up a meal, and this area is separated from the more formal lounge by a big double-sided fireplace.
Also on this floor, tucked at the rear, is a media room (or study/lounge).
“So that if it’s windy and pelting out front, you’ve got somewhere that’s a bit more cosy to retreat to.”
During the colder months, new radiators throughout the house provide a nice ambient heat. The expansive floorplan includes four bedrooms with their own ensuites, including an impressive master retreat on the upper level with a large private deck for enjoying the views and sun.
The lower level is ideal as a rumpus/games room or as semi-separate accommodation for family or guests. It opens out to its own deck, freshly landscaped gardens and the gate into the beach. The enormous stairwell between the levels is also a stunning feature.
“We opened the roof up and put in three big skylights right at the top so you get light pouring down. The stairs are steel and the treads are open, once again capturing and enhancing light.”
There is parking in the garage for more than two cars, as well as secure off-street parking for additional vehicles. For lovers of the ocean, it doesn’t get much better than this.
“This is an amazing location if you’re into water sports, I’ve got a jet ski and can launch that in about three minutes.”
The family-friendly neighbourhood is also within walking distance to the Waitemata Golf Club, Wakatere Boating Club and the Narrow Neck Beach Cafe´ , plus Fort Takapuna and the local tennis and squash courts.
Takapuna Grammar, Belmont Intermediate, Belmont Primary and Vauxhall Primary are all close by, as is Devonport and the CBD ferry.
Listing agent Victoria Bidwell, from Bayleys, says, “this is an incredible waterfront property”.
“The position is exceptional, in terms of the beauty of the views and the privacy both from the street and from the beach. The house has been so extensively renovated that it is now like a new home and it’s got some lovely contemporary features.”
Sale: Tender
Contact: Victoria Bidwell, Bayleys, 021 947 080