Exclusive clifftop site poised to set record

The properties at 33, 35, 35a Clifton Rd Takapuna are for sale.

Three adjoining cliff-top properties worth at least $13 million are on the market in one exclusive North Shore street.

The properties at 33, 35 and 35a Clifton Rd were valued for rating purposes two years ago at nearly $13 million for all three but could set a record this year of closer to $20 million due to the city's rapidly rising prices.

Last year's record was $24 million paid by Ben Cook for John and Rose Dunn's modernist Herne Bay house on Sentinel Rd.

Bryan Thomson, a Real Estate Institute director, said such a big property seemed somewhat unusual.

"Every now and then, properties come on the market - sometimes termed unique or trophy - and this sounds to me like it will be a pretty significant opportunity for someone," Mr Thomson said.

Chris Darby, an Auckland councillor, was impressed with the location.

"Its an exquisite property and retention of mature pohutukawa is an exceptional reflection on the owners who spent tens of thousands of dollars holding up pohutukawa trees on the cliffs using heavy-duty guy ropes," Mr Darby said.

The Clifton Rd properties are owned by Tokoeka Properties, connected to the Spencer family, one of New Zealand's wealthiest, assessed by the National Business Review's rich list as having a $720 million fortune.

The late John Spencer once gave his address as 33 Clifton Rd, according to Companies Office records.

The sites are nearly half a hectare and include three houses.

Clifton Rd is at Hauraki between Takapuna and Devonport. That road runs off Lake Rd, the main access route between the two suburbs.

Graham Wall is advertising the 4300sq m property which is on three separate titles and described as an "enormous opportunity".

Developers are understood to be eyeing it as ideal for luxury townhouses.

"More than an acre of clifftop development land on Takapuna Beach - it's almost unbelievable that it could be bought," Mr Wall said.

Pictures show sprawling gardens lined by pohutukawa. Extensive views over the Hauraki Gulf and across to Rangitoto are framed above a clear glass barrier. A waterfront walkway winds across the edge of the property.

The Clifton Rd properties are not the only expensive properties on the market at the moment.

The Herald reported on Tuesday that one of the country's most prestigious properties - a North Shore mansion known as the Chateau en bord de mer - was on the market.

It has a CV of $16.5 million.

A fully renovated four-bedroom villa on Cheltenham Beach could also be yours for around $9 million.

The property was bought by Angela and Mike Hare for $3.7 million in 2007. Since then it has undergone a major rebuild.

It is understood the $35 million Coatesville mansion formerly rented by Kim Dotcom is also still up for grabs.

It did not sell at tender, with not a single offer being submitted. Last month agent Christina Tang, from Barfoot and Thompson, said the property hadn't been sold. Ms Tang did not respond to the Weekend Herald this week.

Clifftop stunners

33 Clifton Rd

2226sq m, valued in 2014 at $6.3 million: $4.5 million land, $1.8 million improvements, annual rates $16,257.86.

35 Clifton Rd

1399sq m, valued in 2014 at $4.6 million: $3.5 million land, $1.1 million improvements, annual rates $12,000.96.

35a Clifton Rd

675sq m, valued in 2014 at $1.85 million: $1.35m land, $500,000 improvements, annual rates $5152.90.

Total annual rates: $33,411.72

Total area: 4300sq m

Total valuation: $12.7 million as at 2014 for rating purposes only