Herne Bay

BY CHARLOTTE COSSAR

Stunning views and a great location within reach of the city makes this area one of Auckland's most sought-after suburbs.

The exclusive streets offer a mix of character-filled traditional properties and contemporary family homes a short stroll from beaches, trendy cafes and boutiques shops.

Originally called Bayfield, the area became known as Herne Bay in the late 1800s. Now, it is divided into two areas - the northern and southern slopes. The northern slopes, on the harbourside, stretch from Shelly Beach Rd in the east to Coxs Bay. The southern slopes, which include 'The Avenues', run off the Jervois Rd ridge and merge with Ponsonby. Real estate agent Jan George of Ray White, Ponsonby, who specialises in the area and until recently was a resident, says there is a good variety of properties in the area and that the location makes all the difference. "It is a privilege to market some of the loveliest homes in Auckland."

She says the residential areas are quiet and pleasant and that "once you've got to Herne Bay, where would you go that's better?"

WHO LIVES HERE?

Jan says that the southern slopes of Herne Bay attract young professional families who want to be close to the city and enjoy the great amenities the area has to offer, including the waterfront, marina, excellent boutique and convenience shopping, fantastic cafes and restaurants and sought-after primary schools and a playcentre.

The northern slopes' residents include those who have relocated from the eastern suburbs, ex-pat New Zealanders returning home and people wanting to be close to their boats at Westhaven Marina.

However, the general consensus is once you move to the area, most end up staying. Says Jan: "Many people remain in the same home for a very long time - even generations - while others often move within the area, as circumstances change."

HOUSE PRICES

So what can you expect to pay to live here? For a small one- to two-bedroom apartment you can expect to pay from $300,000 to $1.5 million for a spacious, well-appointed home with views or one that is close to water. A modest townhouse will be upward of $500,000 and an architecturally designed home in a good location will cost up to mid-$1 million. A three- to four-bedroom home on the southern slopes that has been renovated will fetch mid $800,000s to $1 million, and do-ups more than $600,000.

A modestly renovated small home on the northern slopes will cost from $800,000, and a quality home in a good location could cost more than $3 million.

Jan says that properties on the water's edge aren't available often, but when they are they sell well. In April, 2003, a dated villa on a 1500sq m section on the water's edge sold for $4,475,000, she says.