When a real estate duo secured this prime waterfront property in Point Chevalier two decades ago, it was the fulfilment of a dream. Spanning two titles, it commands one of the largest private coastal holdings in the Western Bays.
Prior to finding 15 Lynch Street – with its park-like grounds and view of the city’s icons Auckland Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower and historic Chelsea Sugar Factory – the couple had moved multiple times.
“Being real estate agents it’s probably surprising that we’ve stayed in the same house for so long but buying this waterfront property was something we aspired to for a long time,” says owner Ross.
Ross and Tanya had admired the property a decade earlier and told the owner they’d buy it if it ever came to market. When that moment finally arrived, they outbid strong competition and paid a record price for Point Chevalier.
Start your property search
They acknowledge it will be very hard to leave but the time for a change has arrived. Originally from rural Wairarapa, they hope to find a coastal lifestyle property close to Auckland. What they’ve loved most about living here is “the holiday feeling” with its expansive water views and the abundant birdlife, as well as its seclusion and privacy.
“When you come home and take in the view you just relax,” says Ross.
“It doesn’t matter whether the tide is in or out. It’s always interesting. Last night there were grey herons sitting in the pohutukawas. We also have a couple of kōtare (kingfishers) nesting. You can watch Royal spoonbills out on the estuary and one year we had a pheasant land on the lawn.”
Ross and Tanya encourage the birdlife and have nectar feeders for tui which are also abundant.
The 320sqm waterfront home has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and garaging. Photo / Supplied
The landscaped outdoor area has a platform for launching a kayak or paddleboard. Photo / Supplied
The professionally landscaped outdoor area has a platform for launching a kayak or paddleboard, and there’s a boat ramp two doors down – perfect for launching a dinghy or jet ski. Point Chevalier Beach is also just a five-minute walk away.
In addition to the double garage, vehicles are well catered for with off-street parking for seven cars including room for a boat. When they purchased the property, the couple had a bach on the Tāwharanui Peninsula.
“One day we were sitting here and thought we haven’t been to the bach in nine months and so decided we didn’t need the bach anymore,” says Ross.
Built in 1929 for the Banks family, this two-level Arts and Crafts-era home has had just one other owner before Ross and Tanya – a quality builder who, in 1989, added a substantial extension that nearly doubled its size.
Soon after purchasing the couple renovated the home to bring it up to modern standards and slightly changed the layout, creating a large family room which opens out to a 75sqm deck.
From the 1492sqm property with its park-like grounds, you can see the city’s icons – Auckland Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower and Chelsea Sugar Factory. Photo / Supplied
Built in 1929 for the Banks family, the two-level Arts and Crafts-era home has had just one other owner before the current vendors. Photo / Supplied
It’s a character home with all the modern conveniences and comforts including underfloor heating, heat pumps, LED lighting, double shower heads, and Miele appliances. There’s also a guest suite with its own living area and bathroom – ideal for multi-generational living or an au pair. The couple are never short on volunteer house sitters because living here is like being on holiday.
Most rooms in the five-bedroom home have a view. It’s also a wonderful place to work from home and they’ve converted the large downstairs bedroom (with adjoining toilet and basin) into a spacious workspace with two desks.
The property enjoys a spectacular vantage point for watching sunrises over the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
By afternoon, the sun warms the formal garden, while the front deck falls into welcome shade – the perfect place to unwind and take in the views. Two built-in umbrellas, which swivel and connect, provide additional shelter during the heat of the day. If they were staying, they’d add a 12m infinity pool off the deck.
The sought-after suburb is zoned for Western Springs College, Pasadena Intermediate, and Pt Chevalier Primary and is close to good eateries, cafes, supermarkets, parks and beach.
15 Lynch Street in Point Chevalier, Auckland, is for sale by deadline closing December 16.
- Sponsored by Ray White
