Developer Nick Ward believes this brand new, meticulously designed waterfront home incorporating a minor dwelling would fetch about $6 million if it were in a suburb neighbouring Auckland’s CBD.
Instead, the five-bedroom home with uninterrupted water views offers far better value in Riverhead, on the northwestern shores of the Upper Waitematā Harbour, north-east of Kumeū and Huapai.
Ward says: “It’s like you’re on holiday, but it took me just 25 minutes to get here from Auckland Airport this morning.”
Ward, who is based in the South Island but has developed homes around New Zealand, is amazed some Aucklanders have never been to Riverhead. He sees it as one of Auckland’s best-kept secrets, “on the up and up” as more people discover it as a lifestyle location.
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“It feels relaxed, like a village, but has many amenities nearby. I’m standing on this property right now, watching birds nesting and looking over the glistening water to green pastures, and it is such a beautiful setting. You can launch your boat at the boat ramp about 100 metres away or just relax on your deck, watching kayakers row by or the Riverhead Ferry go by, when the tide is right.”
Having watched some more standard spec homes being built around the locale, he commissioned Lifestyle Architectural Services to design a very premium home, the sort of place he’d make for himself.
“It has very high specifications and the quality of finish is superb; we’ve even included a spa pool.”
The 826sqm of fenced, landscaped land sits behind an electric gate, ready to move into.
“I love the abundant use of glass capturing the views and upstairs’ pitched ceiling emphasising the feeling of spaciousness. The fact we’ve incorporated a single-storey, one-bedroom, self-contained minor dwelling with a full kitchen, private access and its own sunny deck makes it extra special.
39 Elliot Street has a floor plan of 306sqm on a 826sqm section with five bedrooms and three bathrooms. There is also a self-contained, one-bedroom minor dwelling on the property. Photo / Supplied
The ground-floor open-plan living-dining-kitchen and scullery is flooded with light and focused on the glorious outlook. Photo / Supplied
“That could be perfect for an ageing relative, teenagers or an Airbnb, perhaps picking up business from the 60 weddings a year held at the nearby Riverhead Tavern.”
The 306sqm, two-storey home has a smartly contemporary exterior, its black matt Eurowood aluminium cladding teamed with bricks painted Resene Black White. Ward appreciated choosing décor in collaboration with Sentinel Homes’ Northwest franchise owner, Maree van de Water, who had some great ideas.
There are two off-street parks in addition to the internal-access double garage. “Stepping inside, you get a view straight through the house to the water.”
The sophisticated ground-floor open-plan living-dining-kitchen with stone bench tops and scullery is flooded with light, focused on the glorious outlook. A ducted heat pump system controls temperature, bolstered by gas fireplaces in the living area and the master bedroom.
Living flows out onto the deck, with the minor dwelling’s deck screened off. The spa pool offers a view of the water, attractive and easy-care planting, and a premium artificial lawn for low maintenance and good looks.
The waterfront property is less than 10 minutes’ drive to New World Kumeu, with vineyards, golf courses and west coast beaches adding to the lifestyle. Photo / Supplied
Developer Nick Ward says: “You can launch your boat at the boat ramp about 100 metres away or just relax on your deck, watching kayakers row by or the Riverhead Ferry go by, when the tide is right.” Photo / Supplied
Upstairs’ luxurious master retreat with ensuite, architecturally raked ceilings, and a walk-in wardrobe luxuriates in water views, accompanied by three more bedrooms, a lounge and a family bathroom.
A separate entry opens into the ground level’s self-contained one-bedroom minor dwelling with its own water views, bathroom and living-dining opening to its dedicated deck.
This address is less than 10 minutes’ drive to New World Kumeu, with vineyards, golf courses and west coast beaches adding to the lifestyle.
Ray White agent Richard Bull says: “It’s a home that removes compromise – you can have the water, the space, and the quality without sacrificing proximity to the city.”
39 Elliot Street in Riverhead, Rodney, Auckland, is on the market for sale by deadline, closing August 27.
- Sponsored by Ray White
