Residing in the magnificent beachfront penthouse in Takapuna’s exclusive boutique apartment building The Rocks, has been a fitting way for its owner to culminate more than 80 years continuously living on Takapuna Beach.
Owner Robyn Winstone says: “Living on the Takapuna beachfront for over 80 years has been a privilege.
“Over a hundred years ago my grandfather, George Winstone, built the beautiful Takapuna beachfront Georgian home named Tiro Tawhiti where he and his wife Gertrude brought up their family of seven children. Later two of his sons – my uncle Eric and my father Owen – purchased two beachfront properties next door and in their turn, built homes and brought up their families.”
Robyn grew up with the sand between her toes, long before Takapuna’s intensification.
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“I have so many memories – early mornings, waking to the sound of galloping horses from the nearby riding school. Guy Fawkes with bonfires spread all along the beach. The cliffs with their outcrop of rocks and rock pools.”
After marrying Milton Barber, they built their family home in Hauraki Road, once again on the beachfront where she lived until her move to the penthouse.
“Fifteen years ago when I decided it was time for me to move to an apartment I was fortunate this beautiful beachfront penthouse at The Rocks was available to purchase.”
The 240sqm, single-level penthouse is steps from the beach, enjoying glorious views of the famous Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto from almost every angle and a short walk over the rise to Lake Pupuke.
The 240sqm, three-bedroom, three-bathroom, single-level penthouse is steps from the beach. Photo / Supplied
Owner Robyn Winstone moved into the penthouse at The Rocks 15 years ago. Photo / Supplied
Premium agent Alison Parker, who previously lived in The Rocks, says this penthouse feels very connected to nature as you listen to native birds chirping in the pohutukawa trees out front and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
“I’ve never come across an apartment of this size, on one level, this close to the water.”
There are only 13 residences across the three-level boutique building, constructed with tilt-slab concrete in 2002.
“This is the largest apartment here by far, which could have been two apartments if its original owners had not opted for one extremely generous one. It opens to two decks, both which capture the morning and day sun.
“It even comes with its own separate lock-up garage for four cars within the basement, accompanied by a storage room. Walking into the penthouse entry, you’ll be impressed by its three-metre stud height with windows surrounding the whole apartment.
“The living-dining-kitchen area, which opens to both balconies, seems to go on forever and is incredible for entertaining. And the view is ever-changing, with yachts, windsurfers, jet skis, swimmers, dolphins, cruise ships and surfers.”
The penthouse offers views of the famous Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto from almost every angle, and is a short walk over the rise to Lake Pupuke. Photo / Supplied
The Rocks has its own gymnasium and sauna, and shares a swimming pool set in landscaped lawns and gardens, with the Mon Desir apartments. Photo / Supplied
All three bedrooms are ensuited, with the master and one other enjoying walk-in wardrobes and opening to one of the large balconies. An additional powder room and the fitted laundry complete the floor plan.
“It feels like a holiday destination that can be your year-round home with lock-up-and-leave convenience and security. And everything is walking distance from this penthouse’s central location. It’s so easy to walk to the local shops, cafes, restaurants and movie theatres, to events at the Bruce Mason Centre or to just stroll along the beach.”
The Rocks has its own gymnasium and sauna and shares a swimming pool set in landscaped lawns and gardens, with the Mon Desir apartments.
At this time of her life, Robyn is moving on to retirement living.
PB/7 The Promenade in Takapuna, North Shore, Auckland, is on the market for sale, expressions of interest close on December 17.
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