SCHOOL ZONES:
Anchorage Park School, Riverina School, Pakuranga Intermediate, Edgewater College
CONTACT:
Penelope Franca, Ray White, ph 021 127 5573
AUCTION:
Monday May 30, 7pm
Most people assume that a property right on the water's edge in Auckland is bound to come with a huge price tag.
At least that's what Jane and Byron Constant thought, so when they found a house right alongside the Tamaki Estuary in Pakuranga and realised it was within their budget, they couldn't believe their luck.
"I was amazed when we managed to buy this place," says Jane, who has owned the house since 2010. "It is a real privilege to live so close to the water, it gives you a real feeling of peace. When you walk down the driveway you don't expect to find that it is right by the water and has got this great view. It's like coming to a little oasis."
There's reserve land between their house and the water, so their outlook will never be built out. "We love the sense of space," says Jane. "It feels so open, you never feel closed in."
Nothing quite beats sitting in the spa pool on the deck and looking across the estuary towards Otahuhu and the Southern Motorway. At night they can see lights twinkling in the distance, and they can also watch the lights of planes coming in to land at Auckland Airport.
"It's just magic," says Jane.
Add to that the amazing bird life -- they regularly see everything from tuis and pukekos to ducks -- and it really is a special sanctuary.
It was also perfect for their needs because the flat setting and single-level house was ideal for son Liam, who was severely disabled due to problems during his birth. Sadly, Liam passed away last year.
Jane, describes the house as "pretty simple really". The three-bedroom weatherboard dwelling was built in 1992 and had been recently redecorated when Jane and Bryon bought it. The bathroom, however, was due a makeover, so they embarked on a renovation.
Image 1 of 6: Single-storey house on sunny, peaceful property makes this location everything.
"We didn't do it ourselves, we got tradespeople in," says Jane, adding that they know their limitations when it comes to DIY, and wanted to get the job professionally done. "We're very pleased with the way it turned out."
The end result is a stylish room with striking tiles and contemporary fixtures and fittings.
The kitchen renovation was next on their "to-do" list but they didn't quite get around to it -- although it could be enhanced, it is very functional as is.
Since they've been in the house Jane and Byron have concreted part of the back garden, creating a patio area alongside the deck. "We pretty much live out there in summer, it is a lovely sunny spot," says Jane.
The deck is partially covered, so it can be used in all weathers. The back yard is fully fenced, making it very safe for their second son Caleb, two, and there's an area of lawn big enough to kick a ball around.
Inside, there are three good-sized bedrooms, including the master bedroom which has sliding doors out to the deck and spa pool, and offers great water views.
The living room also opens out to the deck via ranch sliders. The house, which is decorated in neutral tones throughout, is fully insulated and has a heat pump. "People often think houses near the water must be damp but this one isn't. We needed it to be warm for Liam, and it is," says Jane.
As well as enjoying a superb location by the water, the house is also ideally placed for easy access to schools, playgrounds and major transport routes. Pakuranga Plaza is just down the road, and it's a short drive to Sylvia Park.
The Constants have put the house on the market because they'd like to try living on a rural property.
