Sea views and balconies for every bedroom are a feature of this special hilltop property in the heart of St Heliers Bay. Just a 200m stroll to the beach and St Heliers village, the owners admit they’ve enjoyed what they describe as a holiday lifestyle.
“The house is so comfortable and with the location and sea views it feels like we are on vacation. I often say to my wife at the weekend, just pretend we’re on holiday and you start believing it,” says homeowner Jagdeep Gill.
“It’s like living in a resort. You’re so close to St Heliers village and the beach. When we travel and return here we realise there’s nothing better than this.”
The Gills have lived at 72 St Heliers Bay Road since 2014, with the beach and nearby Glover Park serving as a backyard playground for their children as they grew up. Now that their adult children have moved out of home, they are looking to downsize.
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“We love living here and we’ve had wonderful experiences here as a family and thoroughly enjoyed the house but now 80% of the house is empty with just the two of us,” says Jagdeep. “It’s time for another family to enjoy it.”
Originally built in the 1940s and extended in 1998, the ground floor retains old-world character with wonderful flow to the outdoors and deck for dining alfresco. The second level has four bedrooms which all open to decks with harbour views.
There’s also a terrace at the apex of the home which the family have nicknamed “the attic” with magnificent views of the harbour, Rangitoto and Devonport. It has an outdoor deck with awnings and space for bean bags – a wonderful place to meditate.
“The kids have also had parties in this space and during the America’s Cup regatta you could see all the boats coming in,” says Jagdeep.
Each of the four bedrooms at 72 St Heliers Bay Road has sea views and balconies. Photo / Supplied
Downstairs has multiple living areas including two lounges, one of which features a small bar. Photo / Supplied
Downstairs, multiple living areas include two lounges, each with its own gas fire. One features a small bar where, in winter, Jagdeep enjoys a fireside Scotch.
“You can have one group in the lounge and another group in other lounge, and somebody can go upstairs to the attic. You can find your own corners if you want privacy but there’s also a lot of space to get together,” says Jagdeep.
The home has four bathrooms – three upstairs (including two ensuites) and one downstairs. The master ensuite includes a window-side jacuzzi that opens to the ocean, allowing you to soak in the view in any weather – “especially lovely when it’s raining”.
With its north-facing aspect, the home is bathed in winter sun, yet in summer “the sun stays where it should be – right on the deck’s edge”.
The owners love the greenery that surrounds their home which they call their “hanging gardens of Babylon”. Photo / Supplied
The views take in the harbour, Rangitoto and Devonport. Photo / Supplied
What the couple love most about the home is its elevation, views, warmth and privacy. It’s surrounded by greenery which the couple call their “hanging gardens of Babylon”. The proximity to a regular bus service to the city is also appealing.
Paul Neshausen, of Barfoot & Thompson, says what he likes most about this home is that it is not trying to be anything other than what it is.
“It’s elevated, it’s authentic, it has history, and the views are outrageous. Give it a bit of vision and it becomes one of those Bays homes people talk about for years,” says Neshausen.
- 72 St Heliers Bay Road in St Heliers, Auckland, is for sale by auction on December 17
