Takapuna: Small Pleasures

The views from the house on the cliff by Takapuna beach are as spectacular as you'd imagine, but this property has other, hidden attractions.

On a warm summer's night Ann and David lead their guests down a paved pathway to a terrace, in which lies a firepit.
From the built-in seating around it they barbecue a meal, or toast marshmallows while watching the activity down on Takapuna beach, and out on the harbour.

On cold nights, Ann hooks up a griddle over the open fire in the conservatory and cooks there, warming the bread on the hearth and roasting foil-wrapped potatoes in the embers. The glass walls and ceiling allow views of ships coming in or out of port, and glorious sunsets.

Such are the small pleasures that come with the house behind the pohutukawa on the cliff at the southern end of Takapuna. The greater pleasures are obvious - the view down the length of the beach, and the everchanging sea and sky.

"I'm going to miss the pohutukawa, too," says David, a builder of many North Shore homes who built this one for himself and Ann 10 years ago. "Its branches frame so many views, and the tui play in and out of it."

The trees also provide valuable privacy - the couple say they can enjoy their decks and gardens without being observed.

Ann and David used to live on Milford beach, and then went to run an orchard near Albany before they fulfilled their dream of buying a section at the southern end of Takapuna, elevated and north facing. They worked closely with architect John D'Anvers to design a timeless house with views from every room.

The kitchen looks over the conservatory and out to the view, with a casual dining area next to it. Off here is the formal dining room and lounge. There is a study by the front door. At the top of the curved staircase is a TV lounge, three bedrooms, and the master suite, most of which open onto a terrace running the width of the upper storey.

As well as the curved staircase, many doorframes are wide and curved, with rimu architraves and heart rimu doors. This softens the feel of the house, and complements the neutral colours used inside. Underfloor heating keeps the tiled floor in the kitchen and casual living area warm in winter.

From here the couple has watched a wide range of activities down on the beach - yachts of all sizes being launched and brought in, surfers riding the waves when the swell is big enough, weddings and photo sessions with newlyweds.

"The beach below the house is very popular with photographers," says Ann. "Our son was married in the garden overlooking the beach."

The time has come, however, for Ann and David to downsize, and they are looking for a smaller home, probably back at Milford.

"We've enjoyed walking the beach," says Ann. "We'll often wander down to a Takapuna restaurant for dinner, or just dessert." Now it's time for someone else to have that pleasure.

Vital Statistics

BEDROOMS: 4+

BATHROOMS: 3

GARAGE: 3

SIZE: Land 1100sq m, house 350sq m plus 80sq m of covered decks.

PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected over $6 million. Price by negotiation.

INSPECT: By appointment.

CONTACT: Lewis Guy, Premium Real Estate, ph 021 867 355.

FEATURES: Two-level plaster-clad home with timber and steel framing, built by its builder owner 10 years ago. Spectacular views of Takapuna beach and the harbour from its elevated, north-facing site. It also captures sunrises and sunsets. Study by the front door. Third living area upstairs. Extensive decking and gardens behind pohutukawa, and a firepit on a lower terrace.