If breathtaking views were a competition, this Glendowie family home would win hands down.
From its elevated position, the home takes in sweeping views across the Tāmaki Estuary, Browns Island, and out to the Hauraki Gulf. The scene is breathtaking as well as tranquil and vendor Iain Gillanders recalls how his parents used to “exhale” when they returned here after a day’s work in the city.
“They felt as if they were back on holiday or had escaped. It’s a very calming place to be and the view is simply stunning. Every time I visit, I stop to take in the view,” says Iain.
It’s one of many reasons why it will be sad for him to let go of the family home where he grew up.
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Iain’s parents bought 529 Riddell Road in the late 1970s and in the mid-90s as the family expanded they renovated the original 1940s brick home adding a cedar wood extension.
The alterations transformed what was a small house into a three-level home with an upstairs master bedroom and ensuite “to maximise the view across the water” and a big rumpus room downstairs for the kids.
“It’s spacious with lots of different areas and an awesome family home,” says Iain.
The property gets all-day sun and Iain believes at one point it was an orchard as there is an aerial photo showing citrus trees planted all the way down the driveway. In addition to being a sunny spot, it also offers a home and income opportunity with a downstairs self-contained granny flat that can be accessed by its own entrance.
The 336sqm home has five bedrooms and three bathrooms and sits on a 1404sqm section. Photo / Supplied
Homeowner Iain Gillanders says: “It’s a very calming place to be and the view is simply stunning. Every time I visit, I stop to take in the view.” Photo / Supplied
The home has four bedrooms, plus a study and three bathrooms and has the security of being set back from the cliff. Historical Karaka Bay is also just a short stroll away and beach days were a big part of growing up here for Iain.
“Whenever I told Mum I was bored, she’d just tell me to go to the beach – and we also did a lot of swimming there,” he says.
The terraced lawn in front of the house was another favourite spot for kicking a ball around, and Iain has always dreamed of adding a swimming pool in the middle terrace.
Nearby Churchill Park on Riddell Road also offered endless childhood adventures exploring the pastures. True to its heritage as Glendowie Farm, Churchill Park is still managed as a “countryside in the city”.
Spanning 40ha, it features open pastures across the upper slopes, with woodland and bush tracks below. It’s a favourite spot for locals to walk, run, or simply enjoy the outdoors.
The home takes in sweeping views across the Tāmaki Estuary, Browns Island, and out to the Hauraki Gulf. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent Peter Cleave says the elevated position of the property makes it a perfect canvas to build a dream home and capitalise on the view. Photo / Supplied
The park is also home to the Glendowie Bowling and Tennis Clubs. Other amenities close by include a yacht club, Saint Heliers shops and eateries. Local schools in the zone include Churchill Park School, which Iain attended and walked to as a youngster, Glendowie Primary and Glendowie High School.
“It was awesome to be part of the neighbourhood community,” says Iain.
“I spent countless hours popping between houses as a kid and it was super safe to roam up and down the driveway playing games, riding bikes and creating our own adventures. It felt like an endless summer. It is incredible to still see this still happening today with the next generation of kids all playing together and doing the same things we were doing 30 years ago.”
Property agent Peter Cleave, from Bayleys, says the elevated position of this rare 1404sqm property also provides the perfect canvas to build a dream home and capitalise on the view that will only grow in value. “Zoned Mixed Housing Suburban, the land already offers significant potential.”
529 Riddell Road in Glendowie, Auckland, is for sale by auction on November 5.
- Sponsored by Bayleys
