Family has been integral to this scenic Whitford waterfront estate, from its construction to its get-togethers, to the inspiration for its late patriarch’s museum-sized vintage toy and machinery collection.
Owners Kathie and the late Bill McNabney’s three sons, who are builders, and daughter, who’s an electrician, helped create the 2006 740sqm home on a whopping 32.74 hectares of land.
Kathie says: “We were looking for a place to retire and fell in love with this property. Initially there was only an old hayshed and a derelict cowshed here which had to be demolished, so we rented locally, while our home was built.
“Denise, our architect, captured the view from every room, our eldest son built the house with help from his brothers and our daughter did our electrical work. With many large homes around us we built something fitting for the area where we’d be able to host all our adult children, grandchildren and friends.”
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The property is distinct for its land size, not often found in this prestigious area, for the home’s scale and its splendid views. Its panoramic vista overlooks its 20 expansive front paddocks extending to the foreshore, and across the water to some of Auckland’s most well-known gulf islands.
“It’s beautiful. A farm gate opens out on to the local bridle track and has access for kayaking and beach fun. We can access the property from Porterfield Road, but our driveway is from Clifton Road taking in the amazing view from the top of the hill.”
The two-storey home combines bricks with weatherboard and double glazing, with a portico entrance announcing the front door. Its internal-access triple garage is bolstered by a separate high-stud garage nearby, complementing its design and intended for campervans or boats.
Three sheds offer abundant additional covered space, one previously housing Bill’s massive collection which grew exponentially after he started out restoring old tricycles and pedal cars as a hobby.
A big foyer displays a tractor restored by the late Bill McNabney in a space under the substantial staircase with wooden balustrading. Photo / Supplied
Barfoot & Thompson agent Mike Deverell says: “There is nothing like this on Whitford’s prestigious Clifton Peninsula. You are really buying one-of-a-kind, a 32ha coastal property.” Photo / Supplied
A big foyer displays a tractor restored by Bill (aka Poppa) in a space under the substantial staircase with wooden balustrading.
This level’s four living areas include the north-facing kitchen-informal dining-family room. There’s a formal dining room, a lounge which has housed Kathie’s grand piano and a games room which opens out to some of the home’s abundant wrap-around decking, some of it covered, near a swimming pool.
“We were very happy as a couple here. We’ve had many celebrations and get-togethers including two family reunions and the immediate family gathering here every Christmas, Easter and special birthdays. Plus many guests staying. It’s been a wonderful home with a lot of heart to it.”
Completing this floor are two bedrooms, a study, a bathroom, three powder rooms, storage areas and a laundry-cum-mudroom to enter straight from the farm.
Upstairs a lounge-library accompanies a family bathroom and four bedrooms, including the restful ensuited master suite with gorgeous view and walk-in wardrobe, opening to the upper deck.
There’s a formal dining room, a lounge which has housed Kathie’s grand piano and a games room which opens out to some of the home’s abundant wrap-around decking. Photo / Supplied
The sprawling home was built by the vendors’ three builder sons and electrician daughter. Photo / Supplied
Off-peak, it’s a 30 to 35-minute drive to Auckland Airport and Auckland’s CBD. Nearby is Formosa Golf Club, Whitford Village, shopping at Botany and Beachlands and Pine Harbour Marina with its ferry service into the CBD.
Kathie is now ready for a change after 81-year-old Bill passed away in 2023; his huge vintage toy and machinery collection serving as his legacy, to be continued as a private family museum.
Agent Mike Deverell says: “There is nothing like this on Whitford’s prestigious Clifton Peninsula. Most properties in the area are around 2-4ha. You are really buying one-of-a-kind, a 32ha coastal property.”
48 Porterfield Road in Whitford, Manukau, is on the market for sale by tender, closing October 16.
- Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson
