SCHOOL ZONES:
Torbay Primary, Northcross Intermediate, Long Bay College and close to Kristin and Pinehurst private schools.
CONTACT:
Lewis Guy, Premium, ph 021 867 355.
FEATURES:
Mid-century home with unrivalled views, from Waiake, out to Rangitoto Island and around to Browns Bay. Kidney-shaped pool, three living areas, plus office. Recently refurbished and full security system. New phone/computer jack points in most rooms.
Back in the mid 1970s, Neville and Barbara Dowden and their three children lived in Sarsfield St in Herne Bay. Sons Richard and Mark and daughter Anna were happily settled in their city schools, while for Neville it was a short trip up the hill to his Jervois Rd pharmacy.
Then, in 1976, the Dowdens fell in love with a piece of Palm Springs on the North Shore - albeit a home surrounded by water, rather than the Californian desert. Designed by an architect and built in the early 1960s, the low-slung ranch-style home, complete with a kidney-shaped pool, occupied the tip of a wedge-shaped promontory known as Tipau Point, between Waiake and Browns Bay beaches.
Completely private and quiet, its 270-degree water views were to die for. The vista was also something to behold at night - including the twinkling lights of the East Coast Bays as they stretched south. "Mum and Dad saw this place and just had to be here by the sea," recalls Anna.
Neville continued to travel to his pharmacy and the Dowden children kept attending their city schools, relishing what they came home to every day - relaxed family living and a wonderful base for social gatherings. The house already had both family and formal living areas, but they added a third by converting an existing garage into a billiard/games room. "Mum and Dad really enjoyed it here," says Anna. The single-level living made for easy access for young and old. They loved the views and the outdoors."
Even the property's driveway enjoyed a great view, sweeping down to a forecourt, with the main entry to the house positioned between the home's two main wings. Anna says the way the house was designed meant there was always a sheltered area, no matter which way the wind was blowing. "Mum could be on one patio on her chaise with a book, but could move around to the other side if she needed to."
In 1988, an extensive renovation saw much of the original home's character maintained, including the mid-century design stone surrounding the fireplace in the living room, with the look freshened up with neutral colours. The designer specified new porcelain floor tiles, French silk curtains and a new kitchen, complete with Gaggenau appliances. Landscaping was a mix of native and sculptural sub-tropical plantings.
The house has aged very well, but has recently benefited from being refreshed. "We've replaced the joinery, re-wired, re-roofed, re-plumbed and put in more insulation," says Anna. The overhaul also included re-doing the tar seal on the driveway .
Just as it was when Neville and Barbara fell for it, Tipau Point remains a special home. Most rooms have spectacular views, with the layout arranged to make family living a breeze. In July this year, it will be five years since Barbara's death and three years since Neville passed away. "Dad always liked mucking around with the grandchildren and having fun," says Anna. "Now it's time for someone else to live here and get the same sort of enjoyment we had."
