Takapuna: Lady of the lake

A lakefront home that has been in the same family for 25 years has been improved with a loving refurbishment, writes Catherine Smith. 

298 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 

Lakefront properties on Takapuna's Golden Mile are a closely held treasure for the lucky few. Long right of way driveways protect these sanctuaries from the main thoroughfare of Hurstmere Road, between Takapuna and Milford. 

Owner Don McKay jokes that after 25 years in the house and more than 50 years living within a few kilometres radius, he could just about be called the mayor of Hurstmere Road. Certainly he knows all there is to know about the area, and about the 1968 colonial-style house he lovingly re-furbished with architect David Delamare in the mid-1990s. 

What Don describes as a large box has been transformed into a classically proportioned, easy flowing house spread over three levels. The house has featured in local design tours, where visitors gasp at the tree-framed views of the lake, the landscaped pool, decks and terraces, and the well-proportioned spaces. 

The key to the redesign was realigning the central living floor. Visitors stepping into the living room are immediately captured by the view over glass balustrades. Walls knocked out between kitchen, dining and living open the spaces to light and views. A theme of fine oak is repeated through the floors, servery detailing and the furniture, much of it custom-made for the house. Luxury finishes - granite, Miele and GE appliances - and in the bathroom, European fittings and tile, show attention to detail. 

Between them, Don and wife Bronwyn have six children and a growing tribe of eight grandchildren. Four generous double bedrooms in the main house, a further two in the completely self-contained guest wing, and a clutch of luxuriously tiled bathrooms easily cater for family and friends. The upper floor master suite has its own deck. 

The house has a number of surprising extras. In the main living room, Don designed an entertainment unit to integrate with the feature fireplace. The ground floor rumpus room (with plenty of space for a pool table) opens to the covered terrace, a spa pool and then on down to the in-ground pool. The changing room bathroom features a luxurious cedar-lined sauna. A wine cellar opens off the ground floor bedroom. 

In the garden, contrasting materials - tiles, decking and plastered beds - complement the sub-tropical palms. There is even a pretty morning terrace complete with herb beds for the cook. 

Unobtrusive pool fencing and gates at all levels mean that visiting toddlers and pets can play safely, but decks and terraces allow views of the pool and lake. Full security gates keep the city away from this haven. 

But the time has come to empty the nest and for Don and Bronwyn to move into something smaller. They want other families to enjoy the privacy, their children to kayak and row on the lake at their doorstep or frolic in the pool. The guest wing can be rented as a separate flat, or would make ideal nanny or granny quarters. 

Nothing needs to be done to this immaculate home - Don is even offering much of the carefully chosen furniture and chattels with the house - so another lucky family can settle into their patch on the golden mile. 

Vital Statistics 

BEDROOMS: 6 

BATHROOMS: 5 

GARAGE: 4+ 

SIZE: Land 1176sq m, house 645sq m. 

PRICE INDICATION: CV (2005) $3.4 million. Tenders close December 8. 

INSPECT: Phone for viewing times. 

CONTACT: Desley McCowan, Bayleys, ph 489 0999 bus, 027 565 3636 mob. 

FEATURES: Three-storey lakeside home refurbished in mid-1990s by David Delamare, featuring four reception rooms opening to decks and gardens, open plan gourmet kitchen, sauna and more. Self-contained two-bedroom guest wing. Landscaped gardens feature in-ground pool and spa pool. Four-car garage with internal access. Wine cellar, boat locker, security fencing. In Westlake schools zone.