Forgetting the cream for a cup of tea had long-standing repercussions for three generations of one family, who have adored this waterfront lifestyle property overlooking the Weiti River.
Nowadays the nearly 9.5ha property bears a boomerang-shaped five-bedroom home built to worship the views, plus a separate two-bedroom rental on the same title.
One of three siblings who have inherited the property says: “At the start of World War II, our grandparents were mooching up the Weiti River in their launch.
“They realised they had forgotten the cream for a cup of tea, but seeing a farmhouse, our grandmother went ashore and bought some cream. The dairy farmer let it be known his small farm was for sale and a handshake secured the sale.”
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The town-based grandchildren loved holidays at the small farm, learning the rudiments of sheep and cattle farming and making huts in the bush covering some of the property.
“We spent lots of time on the river, making rafts, swimming, rowing, spearing flounder, having picnics on the shelly beach, mud-bathing and looking in the rock pools.”
By the mid-70s when the grandparents’ son owned the property the relocated bungalow, which had served as the farmhouse, needed to be replaced.
“Mum and dad conceived a five-bedroom residence in which principal rooms would be orientated for optimal views up and down the Weiti River.
“They included a self-contained flat downstairs in case Nana ever wanted to live with us. Once you’re here you feel like you could be anywhere, the tide always moving and changing. It’s so peaceful but for the song of tui and the occasional bleat of sheep or low of cow.”
The nearly 9.5ha bears a five-bedroom home plus a separate two-bedroom rental on the same title. Photo / Supplied
The 430sqm home, named Eridon, is clad with cedar vertical board and batten with Bombay stone veneer. Photo / Supplied
“We spent lots of time on the river, making rafts, swimming, rowing, spearing flounder, having picnics on the shelly beach, mud-bathing and looking in the rock pools,” says one of the owners. Photo / Supplied
The 430sqm home, named Eridon, is clad with cedar vertical board and batten with Bombay stone veneer.
Its interior showcases timber. The ceiling sarking in the kitchen-family room is mahogany teamed with cedar wall panelling. The doors are mahogany throughout.
“The walls in Dad’s study are lined with four different New Zealand timbers including totara and rewa-rewa. Dad even specified the shape of the mahogany door knobs which were turned especially.
“We spent many hours removing thick grey paint from the front doors, which are solid teak and came from the old BNZ in Newmarket. Many visitors were intrigued by the concealed small door which was used by bank staff to enter the bank before and after public opening time.”
On entry level are two living rooms admiring the view, the large living room and a kitchen-dining-family room, both flowing out to expansive decks.
“When you look downstream towards the heads of the river you can see right down to Rangitoto.”
The boomerang-shaped home has an office, storage room, multiple living areas, three bedrooms served by two bathrooms, plus an ensuited master bedroom with a walk-through wardrobe. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent Leighton Hurring: “Whether developing, investing, creating a business or building a dream, the potential is compelling.” Photo / Supplied
The ceiling sarking in the kitchen-family room is mahogany teamed with cedar wall panelling. Photo / Supplied
There’s also an office, storage room, three bedrooms served by two bathrooms, plus the waterfront-facing primary bedroom with walk-through wardrobe to its ensuite. Downstairs is the one-bedroom self-contained unit, two single garages and basement.
A good distance away is a separate two-bedroom dwelling added some years after Eridon’s completion, which is on the same title and currently rented. The private jetty the siblings’ father built, berthing his boat there, now needs repair.
They like to imagine this property, 30 minutes’ drive off-peak from Auckland CBD, passing to another family who will treasure it for generations.
Agent Leighton Hurring says: “Opportunities of this calibre are exceptionally rare, attracting a broad spectrum of buyers from developers and investors to entrepreneurs and lifestyle purchasers.
“With countless possibilities to explore, this is a property where vision can translate into value. Whether developing, investing, creating a business or building a dream, the potential is compelling.”
80 Messenger Road in Stillwater, Rodney, is for sale, deadline closing October 23.
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