Ten or so years ago, owners Dave and Linda weren’t even planning to buy a new property when they somehow found themselves standing 200 metres above sea level on a flat, elevated 5161sqm site in desirable Whitford and realised that this was the perfect spot on which to build their dream home.
“It’s close to town, yet far enough away, and we just loved the sense of peace and privacy,” says Dave.
“Plus there are the most incredible views of Manukau Heads, the CBD and beyond, all the way to Whangaparaoa Marina. If our stand of pine trees wasn’t there, for shelter, you could even see the Coromandel.”
He and Linda quickly made an offer and luckily got in just ahead of two other interested parties, signing on the dotted line.
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The couple spared no expense once construction got underway – under the expert supervision of Dave himself, an experienced engineer with an eye for detail.
“It was built to our own specs for ourselves, our friends and our family,” says Dave.
Entertaining is a breeze with a well-equipped and very spacious kitchen, which enjoys an adjacent scullery and has an enormous quartz island as its centrepiece. The dining and living areas have seen some very happy gatherings and the flow to outside spaces for rest, relaxation and recreation is seamless.
All three of the front bedrooms look towards the city and have their own individual access to the garden through ranch sliders.
The 431sqm home sits on 5161sqm of land and has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and garaging for five vehicles. Photo / Supplied
The homeowners spared no expense once construction got underway. Photo / Supplied
A completely self-contained, stylish guest wing was originally included for elderly parents, but if it’s not required for extended family under new owners, it could be rented out.
There are just a handful of other homes on Solway Road – and all are similarly well-appointed properties.
“We all love our quiet, private, no-exit road,” says Dave.
Felicity and Richie Blackmore, from Bayleys, are pleased to be marketing Dave and Linda’s special property.
“What struck us first was the fact that while you’re up on a hill means you’d expect it might be windy, it’s actually very still and peaceful – as if it has its own little micro-climate,” says Felicity.
The Blackmores have noticed plenty of interest amongst car afficionados, who appreciate the extensive five-berth garaging, included by Dave who has a lifelong passion for tinkering with motors.
“It’s not often that you find a workshop like this one with a 4.050m stud height as well as its own hydraulic hoist,” they say.
Homeowner Dave says: “There are the most incredible views of Manukau Heads, the CBD and beyond, all the way to Whangaparaoa Marina.” Photo / Supplied
There has been plenty of interest from car afficionados, who appreciate the extensive five-berth garaging. Photo / Supplied
Richie estimates that recreating this stunning property would cost far more than the price point the vendors are looking for – and would include a significant build-time.
“Here you have everything you could possibly want already, so no unpleasant budget over-run surprises.”
Dave says that he and Linda are sad to be moving on and have thoroughly enjoyed their time at Solway Road with its many desirable features – which also include a chilled wine cellar, outdoor fireplace and smart technology.
“But we’re very confident that the next owners are going to love it just as much as we have.”
- 74E Solway Road in Whitford, Manukau, Auckland, is for sale by negotiation
