As two of 150 foundation residents at Rodney’s bright, breezy, seaside suburb of Gulf Harbour, Gary and Fran have enjoyed what they say were some of the best times of their lives, since moving into a bespoke, new-build, three-bedroom home in Alec Craig Way – overlooking the community’s famous golf course, 22 years ago.
“This was to be our dream home, and we were very particular about what we wanted,” says Fran, explaining that space and light were right at the top of their list, and only the best quality materials have been used throughout.
“We ended up getting everything we’d dreamed of, and more.”
The couple, in their 60s at the time, were already, wisely, looking at future-proofing and this was behind their decision to build across a single level on the 739sqm site to make accessibility easy.
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With a big family and lots of friends, large spaces for entertaining were another requirement and Fran absolutely loves her large, open-plan kitchen, complete with high-quality appliances.
She’s very house-proud so it still looks as bright and new as it did in 2004 when the couple moved in. “We’ve had lots of big family parties and other get-togethers and I love being able to talk to guests while I’m cooking a meal,” she says.
The three bedrooms – one with an ensuite – are very spacious and the living areas, both inside and out, are extensive.
While the golf course has closed and currently faces an uncertain future, its green links have become an unofficial park – proudly looked after by young adults from the neighbourhood and enjoyed by residents of all ages.
The 252sqm residence, which sits on a 739sqm section, has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple living areas, garaging and off-street parking. Photo / Supplied
“We ended up getting everything we’d dreamed of, and more,” says one of the owners of their purchase 22 years ago. Photo / Supplied
The owners are selling to move to a new apartment nearby. Photo / Supplied
Gary says that since the local daycare centre opened, lots more parents and children have moved in, with nearby Wentworth College & Primary proving very popular.
Over the past two decades, Gary and Fran have enjoyed all the nice little waterside shops and cafes, as well as regular strolls around the picturesque marina, and trips to Auckland by ferry.
“And we have a lovely big Four Square here now, so that’s very convenient,” says Fran, who barely ever slows down – thanks to her walking group, mahjong and various other activities.
There’s not so much golf for Gary now, but he keeps busy, maintaining the house and garden meticulously. Gary and Fran are still in excellent health and excitedly planning their next move to a new apartment nearby.
The home, which has a putting green in the backyard, overlooks the community’s famous golf course which has since shut down. Photo / Supplied
One of the owners loves her large, open-plan kitchen, which comes complete with high-quality appliances. Photo / Supplied
Anita Dobson, who is marketing the property, lives locally and confirms that everything Gary and Fran have said about the friendly neighbourhood is true.
She says that city dwellers with families who are tired of trying to keep up with big mortgages – while plans for renovations keep getting pushed back – could simplify their lives enormously by moving their families up here to Gulf Harbour and maybe balance working from home with commuting to Auckland.
She notes that Gary and Fran’s property offers significant value for money with plenty of flexibility and the advantage of having been built to a very high standard.
There’s the added bonus of easy-care landscaping, plus the private little putting green that Gary has built in the backyard.
“It’s a great place to grow up,” says Anita.
236 Alec Craig Way in Gulf Harbour, Rodney, is for sale, deadline closing November 11.
- Sponsored by Harcourts
