SCHOOL ZONES:
Northcote Primary, Northcote College.
CONTACT:
Tricia Lafferty, 021 611 205, or Kym Aikin, 021 596 222, Ray White.
AUCTION:
March 2
* 4 Off-street
It is well-situated in terms of having boutique shops, a cinema, cafes and top restaurants just minutes away, but Victor Stent and Kerry Hall often find themselves simply staying home at "The Boathouse", because living there is so relaxing. It's like being on a permanent holiday, they say, and bothfind it hard to leave.
Built in 1997 and updated completely since the couple moved in more than two years ago, this north-east-facing suntrap is tasteful and contemporary with an arched steel roof and a variety of exterior cladding materials.
Huge picture windows showcase sweeping vistas through native and well-established subtropical plantings, to the mangroves at the bottom of the garden. Private and peaceful, with extensive decking on several levels, the property's wonderful views can't ever be built out.
"We love sitting and watching the weather come in," says Kerry.
It's just a six-minute drive to Fanshawe St, yet it's hard to believe the motorway and city centre are so close by when the air is filled with the songs of tui, rock doves, waxeyes, rosella parrots and sea birds.
At high tide, it's time to get the boat out and row across access channels to the basin beyond the Harbour Bridge.
"We bought this after selling our big family home in Takapuna," says Victor, who worked in the record industry. "It was time for a change and the older children were leaving home so we didn't need so much space."
The-two bedroom house has proved ideal for their needs and has the added bonus of a charming garden studio, reached via a boardwalk, and suitable for use as a bedroom or home office.
A modern, open-plan kitchen, dining and living space is cool in summer when open windows and shutters ensure cross-ventilation. This space retains the heat from the sun in winter and the open fire is only needed occasionally.
Image 1 of 8: It's like being on a permanent holiday in this subtropical paradise.
Bosch appliances with LPG gas, a Smeg cooktop and quality joinery make the kitchen a breeze to cook in, while guests perch on bar stools and enjoy a drink. There's a downstairs powder room, then, on the next level, lies the master bedroom, again enjoying beautiful green views, the second bedroom and the elegant subway-tiled family bathroom, which wouldn't look out of place in a top hotel.
"The original owner must have been ahead of everyone else in interior design because nothing much has dated in the past 18 years," says Victor.
A small room, now used as an office, could also be used as a nursery.
Sturdy and well-maintained, the property has many extra features to recommend it.
It's fully insulated and has new LED lighting throughout. Large gates at the top of the picturesque walkway down to the house ensure safety and security.
Victor is a keen gardener and he's been busy over summer. Gigantic banana palms, citrus trees, a tall kauri, a huge bird of paradise, bromeliads, agaves and ferns lend a Balinese feel, and secret spots for sitting abound. A classic courtyard has a fountain and plenty of shade and the giant Buddha head will be staying with the property -- as will outdoor pots and garden furniture.
"You can move around with the sun from dawn until dusk," Victor says.
He and Kerry are at a crossroads in their lives as their youngest child is leaving the nest.
"We might go and live on our boat for a while," says Kerry.
