A builder exactingly constructed this architecturally-designed waterfront home for his family, incorporating an apartment for his mother-in-law and capturing grandstand views across the Orakei Basin into the city skyline.
The three-level home was designed to complement the contour of the land, maximising indoor-outdoor flow on all levels and enjoying a swimming pool, spa and direct access to the basin.
Catherine, who works with husband Richard in their 27-year-old building company, says: “We told architect Geoff Ward we wanted it to be contemporary but relaxed and functional to suit our family’s busy lifestyle.
“It was completed in 2007 when our three girls were in primary school, allowing my mum Anne to spend lots of time with them seeing it incorporated a one-bedroom apartment for her.”
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The 808sqm property at the end of Meadowbank Road has internal-access triple garaging; the single garage predominantly used as a gym for this sporty family.
The 322sqm home has black-stained cedar above a block base. The family’s entrance opens into the open-plan living-dining-kitchen, the latter recently renovated, orientated for sun and views and resplendent with floor-to-ceiling glass.
“It’s an everchanging view you never tire of, with sun glinting off the basin and stunning sunsets, which extends into the cityscape with the Sky Tower. We see people walking their dogs and running along the basin’s scenic walkways and out on the water – sailing dinghies, waterskiing, paddleboarders and kayakers often pass by.”
An angled ceiling soars up to 4m above this open-plan area’s polished concrete floors, creating a glorious sense of spaciousness. “It’s wonderfully warm, so our heatpumps are mainly used for summertime cooling.”
This area flows out both to a sizeable sunny courtyard and to a deck.
The property enjoys grandstand views across the Orakei Basin into the city skyline. Photo / Supplied
The open-plan living-dining-kitchen is orientated for sun and views and resplendent with floor-to-ceiling glass. Photo / Supplied
Catherine says: “With considerable space inside and out this area has worked really well for entertaining and parties, from the girls’ birthday parties when they were young to 21sts, 40ths and 50ths.”
As well as a powder room and separate laundry, this level has a versatile additional room the family affectionately calls “the playroom”, incorporating a built-in desk that folds into a double bed. It’s been used as a playroom, sleepover room, media room and office. Off this is an ensuited bedroom.
Downstairs the family bathroom and four bedrooms, including the ensuited master suite with walk-in wardrobe, open out to wrap-around decking, swimming pool and spa, admiring the view.
Level lawn precedes stairs down to the water’s edge from where they’ve launched their kayak and paddleboards into the basin. The one-bedroom apartment with its own entrance enables privacy and independence.
An angled ceiling soars up to 4m above the open-plan area’s polished concrete floors, creating a glorious sense of spaciousness. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent Melissa Taylor says: “This special property, built to exceptionally high standards, offers incredible views ... and the ideal set-up for multigenerational living or an au pair.” Photo / Supplied
Its entry level with commanding views has an open-plan living-dining-kitchen flowing out to its own deck and a lower level containing its own ensuited bedroom with walk-in wardrobe. It’s a wonderful option for extended family, an older teen or au pair.
“We’ve really loved this location, convenient for Meadowbank Primary School, Meadowbank shopping centre, Farro at Orakei Bay Village and New World Stonefields. I often walk our dog Frankie around the basin and the waterfront and it’s five minutes’ walk to Meadowbank Train Station for a quick train ride into the CBD.”
Their three daughters have left home and Anne has moved into a retirement village so the couple are ready to downsize.
Bayleys agent Melissa Taylor says: “This special property, built to exceptionally high standards, offers incredible views, multiple different areas for family and friends to enjoy and the ideal set-up for multigenerational living or an au pair.”
180 Meadowbank Road in Meadowbank, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on November 12.
- Sponsored by Bayleys
