Devonport: Ferry convenient

With the harbour just across the road this home has a close connection with the city's maritime heart, writes Richard Pamatatau.

11 King Edward Parade, Devonport.

For Sue Powers one of the best features of her Devonport home is knowing even if she's running a bit late, chances are she'll still make the ferry to town.

That's only one of the conveniences of this property on King Edward Parade which faces the harbour through beautiful pohutukawa trees on the adjacent reserve.

The property is some 12 steps up from the street. The courtyard sits at the front of the lawn offering a perfect view of passing heads and hats, as well as being within earshot of fragments of chatter from those strolling by.

But for those sitting at the table on the courtyard they can talk with abandon because their conversation vanishes into the air.

Sue says the courtyard is used a lot for breakfast and lunch.

"The smell of the sea drifts across the street it is just like being at the beach," says Sue.

The house itself is well designed and easy to live in - there's none of that modern design malarkey where architectural teams seem to railroad clients into mediocre cookie cutter spaces where even a supermarket bag seems out of place.

"We wanted people to feel relaxed and at home because life sometimes is random and surprising, and a home should be a shelter, not a show piece."

This house has an open feel downstairs with a wide entrance foyer area leading to a good sized dining room and on through double doors to a verandah.

Along the verandah is the master bedroom with a big en suite and two walk in wardrobes. One is clearly designed for the man of the house with special racks for ties and trousers, while the other is clearly for the lady of the house if the ample shelves for shoes are anything to go by.

Uniting the entrance and dining room to the rest of the living space is a very workable kitchen with a generous walk-in pantry with shelves and racks for every possible type of sugar and spice. For appliance junkies there is also plenty of room for anything with a whirr and a plug. The double stove and pizza stone will delight fans of any of the signature cooks like Elizabeth David or Margaret Fulton as well as newbies like Jamie Oliver.

The back of the house has a giant lounge room with skylights and a fireplace. This opens to a north-facing courtyard with a spa pool and raised vegetable garden - just the ticket for lettuce and herbs.

Upstairs is a second lounge room - again with those great harbour views - two bedrooms and another bathroom.

Sue says she and Andrew have mixed feelings about leaving this home, but are looking forward to moving to Takapuna beach. It's time to hand this place on to the next couple.

Ferry convenient11 King Edward Parade, Devonport. For Sue Powers one of the best features of her Devonport home is knowing even if she's running a bit late, chances are she'll still make the ferry to town.

That's only one of the conveniences of this property on King Edward Parade which faces the harbour through beautiful pohutukawa trees on the adjacent reserve.The property is some 12 steps up from the street.

The courtyard sits at the front of the lawn offering a perfect view of passing heads and hats, as well as being within earshot of fragments of chatter from those strolling by.But for those sitting at the table on the courtyard they can talk with abandon because their conversation vanishes into the air.

Sue says the courtyard is used a lot for breakfast and lunch."The smell of the sea drifts across the street it is just like being at the beach," says Sue.The house itself is well designed and easy to live in - there's none of that modern design malarkey where architectural teams seem to railroad clients into mediocre cookie cutter spaces where even a supermarket bag seems out of place."We wanted people to feel relaxed and at home because life sometimes is random and surprising, and a home should be a shelter, not a show piece."This house has an open feel downstairs with a wide entrance foyer area leading to a good sized dining room and on through double doors to a verandah.Along the verandah is the master bedroom with a big en suite and two walk in wardrobes. One is clearly designed for the man of the house with special racks for ties and trousers, while the other is clearly for the lady of the house if the ample shelves for shoes are anything to go by.

Uniting the entrance and dining room to the rest of the living space is a very workable kitchen with a generous walk-in pantry with shelves and racks for every possible type of sugar and spice. For appliance junkies there is also plenty of room for anything with a whirr and a plug. The double stove and pizza stone will delight fans of any of the signature cooks like Elizabeth David or Margaret Fulton as well as newbies like Jamie Oliver.

The back of the house has a giant lounge room with skylights and a fireplace. This opens to a north-facing courtyard with a spa pool and raised vegetable garden - just the ticket for lettuce and herbs.Upstairs is a second lounge room - again with those great harbour views - two bedrooms and another bathroom.Sue says she and Andrew have mixed feelings about leaving this home, but are looking forward to moving to Takapuna beach. It's time to hand this place on to the next couple.

Vital Statistics

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 2

GARAGE: 2

SIZE: Land 694sq m, house 278sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected above $2.4 million.

Tenders close March 8.

INSPECT: By appointment, or phone to register to attend open homes on Sat/Sun 12-1pm.

CONTACT: Alison Parker, Premium Real Estate, ph 021 983 533.

FEATURES: Restored early-20th century home with harbour views, office, outdoor living, spa pool and formal gardens.