Cheltenham

BY CHARLOTTE COSSAR

Golden sands, seclusion and beautifully restored homes are only a few of the reasons why Cheltenham is a desired destination for discerning house buyers.

Famous for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, the area was first settled in the 19th century when Devonport was used as the entry point to the North Shore via the vehicular ferry from Auckland.

More recently, the area - with its spectacular views of Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf - has become a highly desirable residential haven for people seeking a lifestyle away from the city bustle yet only a 10-minute ferry ride to Queen St.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO?

People who live in this area generally do so because they enjoy being close to the water - and Cheltenham Beach is renowned for being a safe family beach with panoramic views of Rangitoto Island. Backing onto Devonport Domain, home to many sporting events and one of Auckland's top cricket arenas, the beach is the main meeting point for local residents, many of whom live only a casual stroll away.

And, for a non-seaside activity, there are loads of walks, including ones at North Head and Mt Victoria.

Sportswise, there are tennis, bowls and cricket clubs and the Waitemata Golf Course close by.

SHOPS

The Cheltenham shops on the corner of Tainui Rd and Vauxhall Rd comprise cafes, a dairy, hairdresser, service station, takeaways, a butcher and other necessity shops.

Nearby is Devonport Village, famous for its old-world charm and boutique-style shops, restaurant and pubs - with the most famous being the old Esplanade pub at the bottom of the main street. Recently refurbished, this is a great place to watch people strolling along the waterfront or those disembarking from ferries.

And only a short ferry ride away is Queen St, offering shoppers a myriad of retail options.

SCHOOLS

Due to geographic restrictions, both Devonport and Cheltenham don't have through traffic, making the area popular and safe for young families.

Local schools include Belmont Intermediate and Takapuna Grammar, as well as several primary schools.

HOUSE PRICES

Cheltenham is home to a range of properties, from villas to the more modern townhouse developments. However, a saving grace for the area is that council regulations prohibit homes being demolished or removed without resource consent, therefore the heritage of the area has been retained.

Many of the homes in the area are restored and renovated and fetch prices over the $1 million mark. These properties are also in high demand and don't stay on the market for long.

However, to buy an average villa you can expect to pay from $350,000, depending on the interior refurbishment and proximity to the sea.