214E Lake Rd, Takapuna
SIZE:
350sqm including balconies .
PRICE INDICATION:
CV $3.8m Expressions of interest invited on or before October 28.
INSPECT:
Sunday 11am-12 noon, Tuesday, Oct 25, 7-7.45pm
ON THE WEB:
www.bayleys.co.nz/301860000
SCHOOL ZONES:
Belmont and Hauraki Primary Schools, Belmont Intermediate, Takapuna Grammar
CONTACT:
Jo Lanigan, ph 021 279 5468
FEATURES:
Cliff-top, one-level, three-bedroom apartment in the secure Clifton Point apartment complex. Panoramic harbour views from covered balconies, high quality construction and luxury finish. Gymnasium and lap pool in the complex
Growing up as a farm boy in the panhandle of Texas, Eugene Anderson never imagined that one day he would be living part of every year above Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. "I think I was about 9 before I even saw the sea so you could definitely call me a farm
boy. I grew up with horses, cattle and dust," says Eugene.
While life on the range might have coloured his childhood, adult life took Eugene and his wife Daniela far and wide. Business led to 40 years in London, a house in the south of France and a lock-up-and-leave apartment in Auckland. Eugene remembers what went behind the buying decision and explains why they are moving on.
"We had family in New Zealand then and this was the perfect place to escape to from the British winter. Where we're going doesn't have that sort of winter so it makes sense to let it go."
What he and Daniela are leaving behind is an apartment to be envied no matter where in the world you live. With unsurpassable views, solid masonry construction, luxury fittings and excellent lock-up-and-leave security, this home on the cliff edge is one out of the box. Not literally 'one', as it is the middle level of three, but so tightly held are these properties that the opportunity to purchase one rarely comes. Eugene and Daniela are the first owners of this one. Under construction when their daughter saw it in 2004, they bought it sight unseen. "She rang up and said, 'Daddy, you'll love it,' and after I'd seen the pictures of the view, I did. There is always something to watch out the windows."
What keeps Eugene entertained ranges from up close and personal views of the birds in the treetops alongside the wide covered balconies, to a more distant outlook where the pilots board the big ships as they approach Auckland's harbour. And whether it's from the large outdoor eating area with its sliding timber shutters, or from the decks that wrap around the front of the living and indoor dining areas to the master bedroom, there's always a sheltered spot to watch it all.
Eugene knows how fortunate this location is. "We lie in bed and watch the sea lightening around Rangitoto, or sit out on the balcony at the end of the day and know we are lucky to have found a magical spot. There's never a sound except the sea, the wind and the birds yet we are just minutes away from almost anything we could need in a city."
Internally the apartment is constructed around a central core containing the kitchen, but so cleverly is this designed that one of the nicest views of all is found from the corner by the kitchen sink. Hooking around in a U-shape beside and behind this core is the formal living room with a media room and office behind that, and continuing past the entrance, on to a guest suite, and interconnecting smaller bedroom. Returning to the seaward side is a master bedroom suite in which it is possible to dream of being in heaven. Here is where the balconies, that mirror the U, end with french doors that lead straight out to a perch among the tree tops.
While the quality of the of the building and its interiors is reflected in touches as diverse as the fossil stone floors or even the hand-made paper in the powder room, Eugene admits nothing can beat what's outside the windows. "It's a magical place. We've never regretted owning it but comes a time in life when it's time to settle down. That's what we'll be doing in LA."
In the neighbourhood
Takapuna is blessed with not only the golden mile of Takapuna Beach but also Narrow Neck Beach a few minutes drive further down the peninsula. Both provide good dog walking (in season) and exercise opportunities, and both have excellent cafes nearby. Speaking of cafes, the nearest local institution, Little and Friday is within easy walking distance in Eversleigh St.
Devonport Village with its village ambience and ferry link to the CBD is not much further than Takapuna shopping centre in the other direction. Both have supermarkets, libraries and cinemas plus a range of eateries, and Takapuna has a busy Sunday Market as well. All local schools are high decile and the motorway is easily accessed from this northern end of Lake Rd.
