Long neighbourhood walks during Covid lockdowns drew a couple’s attention to the tranquil charms of this high-end, architecturally-designed harbourside home.
The pair, a doctor and a lawyer, previously lived towards the lakeside of Karaka, from where they often strolled past this contemporary concrete home during lockdown excursions.
The husband says: “It really stood out, both for the tranquillity of its setting and for its clever design with high-end finishes, so we bought it when it became available.”
It has no neighbour to its left, instead enjoying an uninterrupted view out over greenery to the nearby waters of the Pahurehure inlet off the Manukau Harbour, teaming with birdlife and traversed by the occasional kayaker.
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“It’s very private, and you feel a real connection to nature. We like to get to Queenstown at least twice a year and this house feels like a resort to us, with its high ceilings, big windows, beautiful light and premium materials.
“The quality of the construction is really quite exceptional. It’s very peaceful here and after a busy day it feels like you’re coming home to a haven. It opens out to a beautiful Japanese-inspired garden where some friends had photos taken before their wedding.”
Since their mid-2020 purchase the couple have had a daughter, who’s now two-and-a-half-years old, forging precious family memories here.
Two cars can be parked side-by-side in front of the internal-access double garage. The home came with a home automation system which they’ve upgraded further, so everything can be controlled from your phone via an app.
The ground-floor living-dining-kitchen expanse boasts an oversized kitchen island, Gaggenau appliances and a spacious scullery. Photo / Supplied
The home, on the foreground to the right, enjoys an uninterrupted view out over greenery to the nearby waters of the Pahurehure inlet off the Manukau Harbour. Photo / Supplied
“My wife wasn’t particularly into that sort of thing when we first moved in but now she can’t do without the technology. Before you even get home you can close the curtains, switch the lights on and turn on the underfloor heating which warms the limestone floor tiles throughout the main open-plan area.”
That ground-floor living-dining-kitchen expanse boasts an oversized kitchen island, Gaggenau appliances and a spacious scullery. Three-metre-high ceilings on both levels maximise the sense of light-filled spaciousness.
Living flows out to a generous entertaining patio ideal for summer barbecues, with a soothing spa pool nearby. A second living room on this level accompanies an ensuited guest suite opening to its own deck, plus a laundry.
The other three bedrooms upstairs are all ensuited, accompanied by a kitchenette with dishwasher, convenient to get a drink or snack. A third generous living room opens off the hallway and the ensuited master suite with walk-in wardrobe and balcony. Both this lounge and the master suite soak up lovely views out across the greenery to the water.
This harbourside neighbourhood with a strong sense of community is peaceful, despite being just three minutes’ drive from motorway access.
“The quality of the construction is really quite exceptional,” says one of the homeowners. Photo / Supplied
251 Harbourside Drive, in Karaka, has a 344sqm floor plan on a 567sqm section with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a double garage with off-street parking. Photo / Supplied
“Even when I’m working on the North Shore I can leave in the early morning and be in Milford in 40 minutes.”
There are scenic walkways and bustling cafes nearby and it’s five minutes’ drive to Hingaia Peninsula School and 11 minutes to ACG Strathallan.
The couple is selling to move closer to extended family.
Ray White agent Camilla Geng says: “I live just down the street and absolutely love this neighbourhood – it’s peaceful, welcoming, and full of charm. Homes like this are rare gems in a truly special community.”
251 Harbourside Drive in Karaka, Franklin, Auckland, is for sale by auction to be held on August 20.
- Sponsored by Ray White
