Imagine a substantial, scrupulously designed waterfront home brimming with luxurious features, and Hillsborough may not be top of mind, but inside knowledge led to a couple creating this coastal paradise there.
Trish lived in Hillsborough when she got together with now husband Brian, aware of the beautiful settings with expansive views available in its most tightly held waterfront streets.
“The main thing that kept bringing us back here was the view,” she says of the 1990s brick-and-tile they bought onsite in 2008.
“It had closed off rooms and not a lot of sun so we felt it didn’t do justice to this glorious setting. But once you walked through the house and on to an old deck, the view out over bush and the Manukau Harbour was breathtaking.”
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Former city apartment dweller Brian realised how convenient Hillsborough is, just six minutes’ drive from the Southwestern Motorway and 20 minutes’ drive off-peak to the CBD.
From the day they signed the documents to buy here they envisaged what they could create on this 1545sqm elevated site. After living here for seven years they commissioned Creative Arch to design this 410sqm contemporary home which PBM Building completed for them in 2016, able to suit families or multi-generational living.
Trish explains while it looks nothing like its 260sqm predecessor, it’s technically a rebuild as they retained a small portion of the structure.
“Once you turn off the main road and come down our little private road you feel like you’re arriving at a holiday destination with big water views in a peaceful bush setting.”
A sculptural zinc feature panel above the internal-access triple garage, accompanied by two other off-street parks, adds interest to the cedar and bagged brick home.
Floating concrete steps arrive at the front door. Trish watches people’s faces when they walk inside and around a corner. “Then suddenly the full expansive view hits them and it’s quite overwhelming.”
The 410sqm waterfront residence has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and multiple living areas, and sits on a 1546sqm section. Photo / Supplied
The living-dining-kitchen area is spacious and the view expansive and overwhelming. Photo / Supplied
Ray White agent Dean Tuffley says: “Breathtaking panoramic views that truly must be seen to be appreciated.” Photo / Supplied
The spacious living-dining-kitchen has stacking doors closing off the butlers’ pantry, which can be opened when Trish is cooking up a storm.
Triple sliders open wide to the rear deck, partially covered with Louvretec adjustable roofing, where they married with 70 guests.
Luxurious touches abound, the double oven kitchen with wine fridge they had Yellowfox design (who also designed bathrooms, cabinetry and the games room-bar) features a high-end Dekton island.
They entertain often, and a trio of Tom Dixon pendant globes shimmering above the dining table are some of many lights from ECC Lighting. They also have guests stay often, aided by separation between spaces, with two bedrooms plus a bathroom on this level.
Trish’s favourite place is upstairs’ ensuited primary suite, which has a walk-through wardrobe with 9m of hanging space and custom shoe wall fitting 200-plus pairs of shoes.
The ensuited primary suite has a walk-through wardrobe, custom shoe wall for 200-plus pairs of shoes and sensational views from the bed. Photo / Supplied
Floating concrete steps arrive at the front door. Photo / Supplied
“With its floor-to-ceiling windows looking over pohutukawa trees to the harbour, a 180-degree view from Onehunga Wharf around to Puketutu Island and the Awhitu Peninsula beyond, it is simultaneously spectacular and calming.”
Downstairs, the colourful second lounge-games room with designer bar can serve drinks to those on the patio, while a hallway feeds two bedrooms, a bathroom and laundry. Artificial turf lawns, gardens and native bush step down the site.
The couple plan to move to Hawke’s Bay to be close to family.
Ray White agent Dean Tuffley says: “Breathtaking panoramic views that truly must be seen to be appreciated. This substantial residence offers over 400sqm of floor area, complemented by triple internal-access garaging, generous living spaces and exceptional privacy.
“Positioned in a peaceful coastal pocket of Auckland, yet superbly connected to the city, motorways and sought-after private schools.”
8 Saran Place in Hillsborough, Auckland, is for sale by auction, on September 30.
- Sponsored by Ray White
