Two properties: Two points of difference

Two different properties enjoy the many benefits of a bushclad harbourside suburb.

The 15-year-old house in Maritime Terrace has a bush-clad section that runs right down to the water.

The villa in Hinemoa Street was built when the area was full of market gardens that grew fruit and strawberries.

10 Hinemoa St and 37 Maritime Tce, Birkenhead Point. In the past few years the heritage streets of Birkenhead Point have seen a revival similar to that of Ponsonby in the late 1980s. And where the trendy boutiques and cafes go, gentrification follows. With its rows of Victorian and 1920s houses, the regular ferries to the city, the pretty beach of Little Shoal Bay and ferry-side boat launching ramps, its parks and bush walks, the neighbourhood has always been a refuge for families looking for gentle village life within an easy commute of the city.

An active supporter of the Birkenhead way of life, Helena Hamlin, has turned a rundown villa on Hinemoa Street into a new restaurant, Eight Point Two.

With the restaurant successfully launched, Helena and husband Philip are selling their villa overlooking the harbour, just above the ferry wharf, to devote more time to restoration projects.

"This area is so full of history," says Helena. "Ladies used to stop at this house to buy their haberdashery on their way up from the ferry."

The couple bought the villa 10 years ago as it had plenty of room for their four boys, their friends and gear. Philip wanted to walk to the ferry and the boat dock so that he and the boys could sail. Helena, whose previous business was in antiques, set to modernising the house, without destroying its classic looks.

The two-storey villa is divided into formal and informal living, radiating off a central hall. The living room and dining room share views to the city and bridge and French doors to the verandah. The large farmhouse kitchen, dining and family room opens out to the pool courtyard and terraced gardens. Last year, Helena added a self-contained pool house with bathroom and kitchenette. The boys persuaded her to provide wiring for a large screen TV so they could lounge in the pool watching sport.

If traditional styling is not to your taste, extended family living can be found right around the corner where retirees David and Janina Collett are selling their white plastered John D'Anvers-designed home.

The couple moved to the area 40 years ago when they were looking for a family-friendly neighbourhood to bring up their boys (then aged 5 and 3, the third was born soon after). Like the Hamlins, they were drawn by the bush, the beach at the bottom of the section and the nearby parks, wharf and boat ramp. Fifteen years ago they replaced the original bungalow with the modern home just as the boys were leaving.

"We wanted light all through the house, with a kitchen that put the chef in the heart of the home," explains David. "We also allowed for changes later in life, plumbing in for a separate flat on the ground floor should we need it."

But Janina's deteriorating health means that the property is on the market. The spacious grounds are an adventure playground for huts, and boating, or could be subdivided, but the house itself is crisp and well-maintained. From the central kitchen radiates formal and informal living, with clever details such as built-in computer desk for kids' homework and a self-contained bar opening out to the swimming pool. The three kids' bedrooms open out to the pool, while the master bedroom faces breathtaking views of the city. A further upstairs conservatory would make a stunning office or third sitting room, suspended over the water and bush.

A water-side family neighbourhood with stunning views: revitalisation is sure to continue.


Vital Statistics:

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 2

GARAGE: 3+

37 MARITIME TCE

Size: Land 2953sq m, house 373sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: QV $2.25 million. Tenders close May 30.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 12.30-1pm.

CONTACT: Darryl Denton, Prestige, 021 959 372 mob.

FEATURES: John D'Anvers designed plaster home on bushclad section with riparian rights, outstanding views to the bridge and city, sheltered swimming pool and courtyards.


Vital Statistics:

BEDROOMS: 5

BATHROOMS: 3

GARAGE: 1+

10 HINEMOA ST

SIZE: Land 1437 sq m, house 282 sq m plus pool house.

PRICE INDICATION: Expressions of interest above $2.3 million. Auction tomorrow at 12.30pm.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 12-12.45pm.

CONTACT: Colleen Mangnall, Prestige, ph 021 935 199.

FEATURES: Original villa renovated with a modern touch and with stylish finishes throughout.