Mairangi Bay: Take the long view

A new home on the North Shore is perfectly positioned whatever your lifestyle.

67 Hastings Road, Mairangi Bay.

You know you're in Auckland when you look out at the view from this new home on the North Shore. Rangitoto Island and the sea are part of the sweeping vista.

Look further around and you can gaze across the attractive homes that stretch across the valley. Agent Desley McCowan says it's a prime spot for views, no matter the time.

"You've got the sea by day and then in the evening you've got night lights as the neighbourhood houses' lights ping on."

Particularly appropriate given its outlook, this home is in zone for Rangitoto College, a much-respected secondary school that often sees parents from out of zone attempt to send their teenagers there through the luck of a ballot. For younger pupils, the schools in the area catering for them are Murray's Bay and Mairangi Bay primaries, and there are also independent schools nearby - Kristin and Pinehurst.

With the Mairangi Bay village shops and beach just down the road and the Constellation Drive motorway on-ramp only a few minutes' drive away in the other direction, this home is well-placed for work and leisure.

Designed by the Concept Design Company, it's one of a pair on an elevated site above the road. Entry is through an impressive timber door into a double-height, light-filled atrium, complete with a two-storey-high expanse of glazing and a distinctive chandelier. From here, a sculptural flight of stairs in timber and glass leads up to the open plan living, dining and kitchen area.

As well as its north-facing aspect and white colour scheme, the living space has a high stud height, giving it a light and airy feel. Two timber decks off the living area allow for much-coveted outdoor living, while glass balustrades in selected areas allow the views to be enjoyed unimpeded.

The kitchen has white lacquered cabinetry, in keeping with the white colour scheme throughout the rest of the house. A departure from the monochrome look is a blue composite benchtop which was imported by developer James Jung from Korea. The contrast of the blue bench and surrounding white gives the space a subtle nautical style - apt when you think about that sea outlook.

Also on the upper level is the master suite, with a sunny bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe and an en suite. The bathroom is another spot where there's a departure from run-of-the-mill materials. The vanity top, wall and floor tiles were all brought over from Korea by the owner.

Downstairs is a further living space, which Desley says would be ideal as a guest lounge. There's even a kitchenette here - all a new owner would need to do is add a microwave and small fridge and house guests or teenagers would have their own space to relax and prepare snacks in. Also on the ground floor is a double garage, as well as access to a private, fully fenced grassed yard.

Vital Statistics

BEDROOM: 4

BATHROOM: 2

GARAGE: 2+

SIZE: Land 527 sq m (approx), house 324 sq m (approx).

PRICE INDICATION: $950,000-plus. Tender closes October 13.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 2.30-3.30pm.

CONTACT: Desley McCowan, ph 0275 653636, Ellen Kim ph 021 981004 Bayleys North Shore, ph 477 0200 bus.

FEATURES: Sea views, underfloor heating and gas fire, internal-access garage, guest lounge, decks, pendant and chandelier lighting, unusual tiles and other materials not normally available in New Zealand. Rangitoto College zone.