Hillsborough: Tui and dolphins

The three-level house sits on a hillside looking over Manukau Harbour

Curtains and blinds are almost surplus to requirements in Dianne and John Burton's Hillsborough home. That's because the views from the Spanish-style house are so stunning, it seems criminal to shut them out.

The three-level house, at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, sits on a hillside looking over Manukau Harbour. The sweeping vista extends from Mangere Bridge around to Cornwallis with Puketutu Island in the foreground, and on a clear day you can see as far south as Waiuku.

Binoculars are a must-have, as there's plenty of activity on the harbour to keep an eye on. The Burtons have seen dolphins on several occasions and the local bird life - including tui, rosellas, cormorants and wood pigeons - is abundant.

Sunsets are spectacular and at night the sight of lights twinkling across the water is enchanting. "It's so beautiful I don't think we've ever closed the curtains in our bedroom," says Dianne.

Privacy isn't an issue because no-one can see in - there's a reserve across the road, and neighbouring houses on their side of the street are hidden behind lush plants and trees, including natives such as rimu, totara and pohutukawa. You can even gaze out of a large window while soaking in the bath and be confident you won't be seen.

When the couple first saw the house 15 years ago, Dianne knew she had to have it as soon as she walked up into the brick-lined stairwell. "The bricks were so gorgeous I thought 'I want this'," recalls Dianne. "I hadn't even seen the views at that stage."

Built in the late 1970s, the house was cleverly designed to make the most of its prime location. A paved courtyard entrance with built-in planter boxes leads to the front door. There's access from the foyer to the spacious double garage and another door opens to a wine cellar under the stairs. The unusual semi-circular staircase winds up to the main level, where extensive use of exposed brick makes for a warm, welcoming feel. In the living room the bricks have been used to form an impressive feature wall, which includes a cosy fireplace. Off the living room is the dining room, which has one of the best outlooks. It would be easy to let your food go cold while you drink in the sights outside.

The dining room leads to the kitchen, which has two pantries, space for a double fridge-freezer and a three-in-one cooking system (made up of oven, grill and microwave) encased in more exposed bricks. Preparing meals in the kitchen is never a chore, says Dianne. "You can just gaze out over the water - it's very relaxing."

Beyond the kitchen is the second living area. Dianne, who works in advertising, uses this space as an office but it could easily be a family room or children's play area. Two bedrooms, a large laundry with oodles of storage space, a toilet and a bathroom make up the rest of this level. The bathroom was recently renovated and now boasts fully tiled floors and walls, spa bath, open shower and underfloor heating.

A second staircase leads up to the main bedroom. Again, the panoramic outlook dominates thanks to a whole wall of windows. Ranch sliders open to a huge deck, which provides almost 360-degree views. There's a small en suite and walk-in wardrobe, and a fourth bedroom that's ideal for when John and Dianne's grandchildren stay. It has previously been used as a gym and an artist's studio.

Throughout the house, the Burtons have opted for white walls and moss green carpet to harmonise with the scenery outside.

One of the most used parts of the home is the huge outdoor entertaining area. The paved patio extends from the dining room at the front, along the side and around to the back of the house. There's a built-in barbecue and spa pool and the whole rear area has been covered over.

"We've had some wonderful times out here," reminisces Dianne. "It's very sheltered and we eat out here all the time in summer. We've had some fabulous parties - my son had his wedding here and we had 250 guests at a 21st birthday. There was plenty of room."

The Burtons are selling up to retire to Coromandel township, and say leaving will be an emotional wrench. "This place has been a real haven for us," says Dianne.

VITAL STATISTICS

ADDRESS: 61 Aldersgate Rd, Hillsborough.

FEATURES: Spanish-style concrete block plastered home on three levels with unobstructed views across the Manukau Harbour; four bedrooms - main bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and en suite; two living areas; internal-access double garage with workshop space; two off-street car parks; large paved partially-covered outdoor entertaining area; spa pool; built-in barbecue; wine cellar; spa bath and under-floor heating in main bathroom.

SIZE: Land area 910sq m.

AUCTION: 4pm, March 5, on site. Interest expected from $550,000.

AGENT: Paul Raynes, Harveys. Ph 621 0166 bus; 021 922 982 mob.