SCHOOL ZONES:
Takapuna Primary, Intermediate, Grammar, Westlake Girls’.
CONTACT:
Prue de Bie, Bayleys, 021 521 242.
AUCTION:
Thursday May 26, 1.30pm at Bayleys Takapuna.
When Aucklanders fret about density ruining a neighbourhood, they would do well to check out the townhouse complex of Takapuna's Killarney Bay, near Hurstmere Rd.
The 18-home community was built on the site of an old motel 16 years ago. Shanahan Architects shows how good urban design can fit multi-family units into a leafy suburb without ruining the neighbourhood. In fact, just the reverse.
The rows of townhouses have gracious classical proportions, set back from the road and each other with smart tropical planting.
Certainly Ian Webster's parents, Dick and Barbara, knew they'd found the ideal downsize home when they spotted the first advertisement for the new Killarney Bay development. They saw the plans on a Saturday, and by the Monday had bought the end unit in the middle of three rows that ran between the street and the shores of Lake Pupuke, long before the bulldozers had turned up.
"This was a good use of land, they got the views, and because they bought off the plans, dad could make some changes before it was built," Ian says.
Dick died late last year and Barbara has moved to a retirement community.
"The last place that sold here was a neighbour who moved to the row closest to the water. The location was perfect for mum and dad. Dad could walk to the beach to swim every day, they were close to the farmers' market, cross the road to Bruce Mason centre for concerts, it was ideal."
The Shanahan design, and quality of detailing, have stood up well.
A palm-lined path leads from the communal driveway to the gates of each house. The Websters' apartment is on the northeast end of a row, so they had the bonus of a generous front and side courtyard that opens off the dining room through bifold doors.
There is even room for a wee garden shed, as Dick loved to care for his lemon and lime trees that thrived on the sunny lake-facing terrace. The main floor has a kitchen in the centre, finished in pale oak with granite counters.
Image 1 of 7: Townhouse complex showcases best of urban design. Photos / Fiona Goodall, Getty Images
Ian says several other apartment owners have refurbished the kitchen to run counters along a wall with an island in the middle, and there are certainly plenty of options to play with the floor plan to open up the space to the west-facing views.
Pale oak floors and newly painted white walls make the area feel light and relaxing, perfect for its lake outlook and beachy neighbourhood.
Down three stairs is the spacious living room, made even more airy by the high ceiling.
Again, bifold doors open to the terraces which step down to the view over the lower row of houses to the lake.
The living room has a fireplace, and the terraces have zones for outdoor lounge and a dining space.
There is also a guest loo on this floor.
The generous basement garage puts more recent apartments to shame with a huge turnaround area, storage cupboards and even room for an old-fashioned workbench. The laundry is a proper room, not just a cupboard, with more storage space.
The top-floor bedrooms are spacious and collect the lake and sea breezes.
The master has a balcony off the sliding glass door, along with Shanahan signature wooden louvres and a sliding shutter. The Websters could open everything up in the summer to catch the breezes, but still be secure. The ensuite has similar louvres and stylish built-ins, plus there's a walk-in wardrobe. Because they were buying off the plans, the couple had a square bay window of floor-to-ceiling glass added to this room so that Dick could see his beloved Rangitoto and the water from his desk.
A third bedroom on this floor also has glimpses of that view. Like their neighbours, the Websters made the most of the private shell path to the lakefront and the jetty. Ian says his parents loved living in this secure and private home, with many happy times for the family, but he believes new owners will appreciate the timeless quality of Shanahan's thoughtful design.
