West Harbour: Fireworks under the moon

64 Seacrest Drive, West Harbour.

John and Sue Peach saw their house just before they left for an Australian holiday six years ago. By the time they returned they decided it was the place for them. They got off the plane, went straight to the auction being held that day, and successfully bid for it.

"We were attracted to how close it was to the water," recalls John. "And the big-time view."

Well, our photos speak for themselves. The Peachs have sat on their terrace and watched boats come in and out of West Harbour marina, yachts race from the Te Atatu Yacht Club, windsurfers, jet-skiers, kayakers, and planes fly overhead to and from the Whenuapai air base.

"I love the planes," says Sue, "We've seen some wonderful air shows."

The tidal nature of their part of the harbour, and the big sky above it, makes the outlook everchanging.

At night, the view lights up in spectacular fashion. They've enjoyed firework displays from the Viaduct or off the Skytower from the comfort of their lounge. Big yellow moons have risen from behind the Skytower, and rays from a rising sun have streamed through clouds onto the city. John has captured many of these scenes with his camera, and the couple will treasure his photos as mementos of their time on the western edge of the Waitemata.

John, Sue and their two children had been living in a big, rambling villa in Kelston. When Sue and John sold their business they decided it was time for a change, but wanted to stay in West Auckland while their son and daughter finished high school.

"We weren't shopping for a new house, but we fell in love with this one," says John.

Back then number 64 Seacrest Drive was a year old, but had never been lived in. It was the only house on its side of the street, and even though houses are now going up either side of it, they are far enough back that they don't obstruct its view. There is only a public walkway between the house and the water, and the walkway cannot be seen from the lower deck, so it seems like the house is on its own little island.

It's been well thought out inside. Glass in the double-height ceiling above the entranceway creates the feel of an atrium, and you can see right through the house to the view from the front door. To the right is a bedroom, currently used as an office, and access to the triple garage, which has been put into service as a bar and pool room.

"We get a view from here too," says Sue, "So John said 'Blow having the cars in here, I'll set it up as a bar.' The cars have never seen the inside of it!"

Back out to the entrance, and you can go upstairs to the master suite, with its own terrace and full size bathroom, and to a flexible space that could be a third living area, a library or a children's playroom. There are two more bedrooms and a bathroom up here.

Downstairs is the formal dining and living area, the kitchen and informal dining and living, a bathroom and another bedroom with an en suite.

The living areas both flow out to the lower terrace, which overlooks the heated pool and a gazebo housing a spa and another bar space.

"We had both our children and their partners living here with us last year," smiles Sue, "and the house took us all."

Matt and Melissa and their partners have now moved on to their own places, which is partly why John and Sue are selling. The time is right for them to head back to Australia, where they have lived before, to explore some business opportunities on the Gold or Sunshine coast.

"If we don't do it now we never will," says John.

"Best to go now before any grandchildren turn up," adds Sue. "And if we end up settling over there, it's not too far for them to come."

They will miss their quiet view - John says the only sounds they hear are from birds like ducks, swallows and tui, the putter of a boat or the occasional sweep of a plane.

Vital Statistics

BEDROOMS: 5

BATHROOMS: 3+

GARAGE: 3

SIZE: Land 835sq m, house, 400sq m.

PRICE: In excess of the 2004 CV of $1.175 million. Auction March 18.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 2-2.45pm, Wed 7.30-8.30pm.

CONTACT: Sue Noonan, Harcourts, ph 0274 752 012.

FEATURES: Seven-year-old home by the water with panoramic views across West Harbour marina and around to the city. Third living area upstairs. Two gas fires. Heated pool, spa and bar gazebo. Close to Marina View School.