“I’ve been living on Whangaparaoa for over 20 years, and I had no idea that this little piece of paradise even existed,” says Chris Triscott from Harcourts, Warkworth.
He’s referring to one of the last significant pieces of potentially developable land in the area, a native bush-filled 4.5ha hideaway behind a handsome timber gate entrance.
Owners Dave and Lynnette bought 142 Wade River Road in Whangaparaoa in 1990, and Dave says that they felt like pioneers.
“When you come here you could easily think you’re on Great Barrier Island or somewhere up North, it’s just that amazing, yet you’re actually in the middle of suburbia!”
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Kauri groves, redwood trees and fantastic birdlife are spread across three levels of land.
Dave and Lynnette have created a pond, and a meadow, and say that their three children and later, grandchildren have always loved being there with goldfish, frogs and the odd sheep or two.
They say that the property has its own microclimate, sheltered from the wind and practically sub-tropical.
“We’ve grown bananas and pawpaws here,” says Dave. “We both love organic gardening.”
The couple live in a boatshed, built by Dave, which includes two two-bedroom units one of which is rented out, but it could also be used as a bed and breakfast opportunity.
Being a keen boatie – with deep water anchorage just down the road, Dave designed a shed so large that a yacht can be backed in, so he can work on it.
They are moving on now, partly because of their age, and they know that they’re leaving something very special behind.
“Even if you ended up putting seven houses on here, as completely private lifestyle properties, you could still retain a lot of the trees, the bush and the tracks, for a community that’s absolutely unique,” says Lynnette.
The north-facing property is currently zoned under the Unitary Plan for subdivision to 4000sqm sites and a preliminary scheme plan from Cato Bolam shows some of what might be possible.
Stanmore Bay has well-regarded schools, and as Whangaparaoa continues to expand, new amenities are coming on-stream, including cafes, restaurants, shops and bars. The peninsula is home to attractive parks and reserves and when the new Penlink Bridge – about two kilometres from the property – is completed in around 2025, access from Auckland will be much faster which will serve to push property values up significantly.
“Landbank, live here, develop now or develop later, or do whatever you choose,” says Chris Triscott. “You’ll need to do due diligence, of course, but this easily could be the best investment you ever made!”
The property is being sold by negotiation.
