SCHOOL ZONES:
Hauraki School, Belmont
Intermediate, Takapuna Grammar, Westlake
Girls
CONTACT:
Victoria Bidwell, ph 021 947 080
Even after seven years in her idyllic seaside habitat, Lyn Crowther still feels as if every day is a holiday - and with enormous French doors opening almost directly on to the white sand and sparkling waters of Takapuna Beach, who could blame her?
"My husband Rex and I boughtit because we loved the position," she says. "It's so close to everything yet it feels like a getaway, too. We can wander along the sand to Takapuna in the evenings for a meal or a drink - and there are two golf courses nearby, which is very important!"
Five years ago, the couple took the original three-bedroom home right down to its concrete foundations and had it rebuilt completely as a two-bedroom townhouse-style dwelling, to a Geoff Richards design.
In went a sleek and stylish Poggenpohl kitchen - ideal for keen entertainers. Because the house is relatively small it was important to utilise every last potential piece of storage space and that's exactly what's been done.
Even right down at floor level, a cleverly concealed drawer holds a ladder, which can be used for reaching the higher cupboards.
"Everything works beautifully in here," says Lyn. "I really got my dream kitchen!"
The middle of this main space holds a good-sized dining table, which is essential in the Crowther household where a lively bunch of grandchildren visit Nana practically daily, and love to stay for meals.
"We're an incredibly close family," laughs Lyn (pictured with her daughter Kyra, who is holding Milla, 1, and from left, grandchildren Indi, 2, Taj, 3, and Cami, 5).
A sunny living area with a pop-out TV completes the picture and, on a back wall, extensive inbuilt shelving holds books, ornaments and family memorabilia. It also incorporates a small desk. The area opens out to a courtyard, where Lyn and Rex like to eat in summer.
The master accommodation area runs down the long narrow region at the rear of the house and features a compact but comfortable bedroom with en-suite bathroom (including a dinky laundry in a cupboard), and a huge Poliform wardrobe with space for "his and hers" clothing, shoes and accessories.
There's another double bedroom at the front, and the main bathroom, an elegant design by Matisse, is to the left of the central entrance door.
Only the best quality materials were used in the construction of this very pleasing property.
The decor throughout has an airy, appropriately seaside feel, with French oak floors that can be swept easily once small, sandy feet have finished running through.
The property's exterior is that of a perfect beach house. "It's not a huge section, so we've got lots of built-in seating," says Lyn.
"The lawn only takes about five minutes to mow and the hedges have grown up to a point where we can still see the sea but the sunbathers on the sand directly below can't see us."
Lyn grins when she reveals the reason they're selling their dream property. "The grandchildren are only 10 minutes away now, but I wanted to be even closer. I saw the perfect house one day when I was out walking in Devonport and we bought it!"
"I want them to be able to ride their bikes around to see me. I just love them all so much!"
