Although Auckland is surrounded by coastlines, the real estate around the city’s most iconic beaches is always limited-edition, sought-after and incredibly tightly-held.
This theory proves true at 89 West End Road, in Westmere, which has been in the same family for almost 60 years. The 1262sqm waterfront property was purchased by the owners in 1968 and they subsequently raised their four sons in paradise.
Andrew, the youngest of the brothers and whose parents have now passed away, says the property holds a lifetime of many special family memories.
“We windsurfed, sailed yachts and camped over at Sharks Bay,” he says.
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“We used to boat over there and pitch a tent on the sand and stay there the night. In the old days, all that waterfront was owned by people with young kids and there was quite a community of us that used to meet down there and muck around together.”
The collection of properties that embrace and overlook Cox’s Bay are loved for their intimate sea views and connection with the water and Andrew says this is one of the most elevated of the direct waterfront sites.
This affords it dazzling views of the bay, Waitemata Harbour and beyond – fully immersed in the drama of coastal landscape.
“The view is always changing. The tide goes in and out and you’ve got the reef and the boats – there’s always something to see and enjoy. The property is also perfectly sheltered from any sort of westerly wind.”
The 1262sqm waterfront property was purchased by the owners in 1968 and they subsequently raised their four sons in paradise. Photo / Supplied
The residents have marvelled at the ever-changing sea views from their home. Photo / Supplied
Andrew says the beauty of the site is its easy water access.
“It’s not a clifftop that might fall away, it’s a gentle slope to the water’s edge. We’ve got windsurfers, kayaks and a 12ft dinghy down there. There is also a mooring, if you want to tie a 15 or 20ft boat up.”
Well-established gardens and lawns frame the home, which started off as a little three-bedroom bungalow.
“We were all sharing bedrooms back then before Dad built out the back and upstairs, to make it a five-bedroom around 1980.”
Bayleys agent Cristina Casares says there is so much going for the property including the flat section and the easy access to the water. Photo / Supplied
The property has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, garaging and off-street parking. Photo / Supplied
There are multiple living spaces throughout and three bathrooms. A spacious kitchen and open-plan dining embrace the views, while the upper floor master enjoys uninterrupted sea and neighbourhood outlooks.
Families have always loved the relaxed vibe and location of Westmere – it’s one of central Auckland’s special suburbs, a well-connected and convenient harbourside hub. Local primary and preschools are within walking distance, along with all the vast green spaces of Cox’s Bay and Bayfield Parks.
The local Garnet Road shops and eateries are a short stroll up the hill from number 89, with Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and the CBD all also within close proximity.
A spacious kitchen and open-plan dining embrace the views. Photo / Supplied
“It’s not a clifftop that might fall away, it’s a gentle slope to the water’s edge,” says one of the sons of the late homeowners. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent Cristina Casares says there is so much going for this property.
“The section is quite flat and has really easy access to the water. The property has amazing views and is north-facing, so gets all-day sun. It’s also in an amazing location.”
In her listing, she also says this is one of the last truly substantial landholdings in this prestigious coastal enclave and is a rare offering of the highest calibre for discerning buyers and developers.
“Its rare scale, natural contour and orientation provide an extraordinary foundation for those seeking to design and build a legacy residence on Auckland’s prized inner coastline.”
- 89 West End Road in Westmere, Auckland, goes to auction on March 25