It was a case of pure coincidence – a wrong turn in fact – that led owner Denise to purchase this spectacular waterfront residence in Farm Cove.
“I was very happy in my lovely house in Remuera – five minutes away from Remuera Golf Club where I play,” she explains.
“Then my husband and I were out for a drive one weekend and turned briefly on to the wrong street, which was Arkley Ave. There was an open home sign on the side of the road, so we went and had a look. As soon as I walked through the front door, the sea was right in front of me. I was absolutely gobsmacked and I said to my husband, ‘I want this house’.”
The rest is history and they have savoured every minute of living in such an extraordinary location since.
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Denise stresses that this is no ordinary outlook. “This is not just a sea view, this is like you’re living on the water. Like in an over-water bure in Fiji or on a cruise ship. The sea follows you, no matter what room of the house you’re in.”
This magnificent vantage point is achieved thanks to the way the property embraces a promontory on the Farm Cove peninsula, looking out over the always busy Tamaki River.
The two-level, five-bedroom residence was designed by William J Ward to maximise the special position and has been freshly and very thoroughly renovated by Denise. “I never do anything by halves, so I renovated this house to the highest possible standard.”
She spared little expense with the transformation and modernisation, which incorporates a new kitchen with high-end appliances, high-tech electrics inside and out, Hunza lighting designed to withstand coastal conditions and high quality new paintwork.
The floor-to-ceiling glass across both levels is a key design feature, allowing the cinematic and forever changing outlook to remain on full display.
The waterfront home has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a double garage. Photo / Supplied
The two-bedroom, self-contained suite on the ground level makes the ideal guest accommodation, teenage retreat or work from home space. Photo / Supplied
“At high tide there are kite surfers, kids in white yachts from Pakuranga Sailing club, and people swimming, paddleboarding, jet skiing and boating – there’s never a boring moment. We’ve had dolphins swim right in front of the house as they’ve chased stingrays up the river to feed on and our next door neighbour also filmed a pod of orcas right out front.
“Not many people can enjoy this sitting at home with their cup of coffee! When the tide is out it’s like all the excitement needs a rest. You see all the rocks covered with oysters and all the sea birds coming to feed off them.”
Open-plan living, dining and kitchen spaces are located on the ground floor, along with the separate formal lounge. These areas all flow out to patios and landscaped tropical gardens that frame the site.
The upper level features the master bedroom with ensuite, as well as two more bedrooms that share their own bathroom. Another huge part of this property’s appeal lies in the two-bedroom, self-contained suite on the ground level, which makes the ideal guest accommodation, teenage retreat or work from home space.
Families will love the proximity to St Kentigern College.
“My boys went to St Kentigern College and then down to vet school. This house has hosted many a party for all their school friends and their uni friends when they came back during the holidays. You can see the rowing team from St Kents rowing in front of the house after school, and during PE you can see all the school children running along the rotary walkway.”
The two-level waterfront residence was designed by William J Ward. Photo / Supplied
“We’ve had dolphins swim right in front of the house as they’ve chased stingrays up the river ...,” says the homeowner. Photo / Supplied
Her boys being down South has prompted the sale for Denise, but it’s with great sadness that she says goodbye to this special place.
“It’s so close to everything – the shops, the city, the motorway – but when you’re there with your cup of tea or coffee, it feels like you’re away from it all.”
Loretta Li, from Barfoot & Thompson, is marketing the property with Mark Muller and says, “having lived in Farm Cove myself, I understand how special this location is, with the Rotary Walkway a much-loved landmark for daily walks, families, and dog owners”.
“This home stands out for its expansive, unobstructed waterfront views across both levels and the highly sought-after, self-contained two-bedroom flat below. Mark and I are excited to see it passed on to a buyer who will fall in love with the ever-changing views just as the vendor did.”
6B Arkley Avenue in Farm Cove, Manukau, Auckland, is on the market for sale, tender closes February 12.
- Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson
