KEY POINTS:
A couple moved from one renovation to the next, with one of the best views in Auckland to enjoy while they worked.
31A Stanley Point Road, Devonport
Six years ago Jan and Brian Robinson had just finished doing up a house along the right of way behind this one, and had it just how they wanted it.
Then this place came on the market. It was tenanted and had become rundown, was a cluster of boxy rooms, and had shagpile carpet full of fleas.
"I remember walking back down the drive after showing someone what we'd just bought and saying 'What have we done?'," recalls Jan.
But despite the enormity of the renovation task ahead of them, she and Brian had recognised how special the site was, and seen the view. It stops you in your tracks as soon as you step out of the car, and continues to unfold as you enter the house. In its entirety it stretches about 300 degrees from north of Rangitoto, east to Coromandel, across the bays from St Heliers, past the port on one side of the harbour and the naval base on the other, past the city, and around to the Harbour Bridge. The stream of different vessels is constant - including ferries, yachts, navy and cargo ships.
It's hard to capture this view in photos - you have to visit the property to appreciate it. While a vast swathe of it can be seen from the windows and doors lining the south and east walls, other parts of it reveal themselves from surprising angles.
"I like how there are cameos of the bridge from the upstairs landing, and of the Sky Tower from a certain seat in the lounge," says Brian. "Every room offers a slightly different aspect."
The house, which Jan calls "a 1950s box with 70s additions", sits perfectly on its own little headland. She and Brian are under no illusions that the next owner may wish to demolish or remove it to make way for a bigger, flasher house, but this dwelling has an elegant charm of its own. The living, dining and kitchen area on the entry level fill the width of the house, so light pours in as the sun moves around the house. Jan and Brian replaced every wall and the ceiling to have the spaces flow together, but be partially separated. The old chimney, roughly plastered and painted a chocolate brown to contrast with the neutral tones elsewhere, separates the lounge from the dining area, while an island of drawers and cupboards marks the edge of the kitchen. The sink has been expertly placed under a window to the view to make washing up more a pleasure than a chore.
The gauge of the rimu floorboards changes from wider 50s planks to narrower 70s examples at the edge of the kitchen, showing where the "west wing" was added. Along a hallway is a second lounge, currently set up as a TV room, and a guest bedroom with an en suite.
Upstairs is a bathroom with one of the best views in Auckland, a bedroom which Jan uses as her office, and the master bedroom. This large space has windows on three walls from which to watch the sunrise, people jogging and walking dogs at Stanley Bay beach and the park down below, and early morning activity on the harbour. A small ferry picks up commuters from a turquoise shed on the wharf between about 7am and 8.30am, and brings them home again from about 4pm.
Back downstairs, a terrace runs along the front of the house. It is sun-drenched in the morning for breakfast, and an idyllic spot to watch the lights come on at night. If the wind is too fresh, there's a lawn and courtyard out the back.
Jan and Brian did a lot of work levelling and planting the garden, and Brian is part way through building some steps down the cliff to other viewing points.
"There are fruit trees down there, but mostly it's a bit of jungle that Brian enjoys disappearing into," smiles Jan. "Our granddaughter used to call it the fairy garden."
The couple have loved living here, but feel it's time for a change. Jan had a health scare last year and they enjoyed taking five months off to roam around the country while she recuperated.
"We liked that feeling of having no ties, just going where the wind blew us," says Brian. "We don't know where we'll go after we sell this place, and that's quite exciting."
VITAL STATISTICS
BATHROOMS 3
BEDROOMS 3
GARAGES 2
SIZE: Land 2914sq m, house 385sq m approx.
PRICE INDICATION: Expected to sell around the CV of $3.5 million. Expressions of interest by July 25.
INSPECT: Sunday 1-1.45pm, or by appointment.
ON THE WEB:www.bayleys.co.nz451414
SCHOOL ZONES: Stanley Point Primary, Belmont Intermediate, Takapuna Grammar.
CONTACT: Victoria Bidwell, Bayleys, ph 021 947 080, 489 0975 bus.
FEATURES: 1950s brick, shiplap and weatherboard house with 1970s additions to make the most of its stunning views. Fully renovated, though could be moved off and a new house built. Separate lounge/TV room. Established garden, outdoor dining areas front and rear. Mooring in bay for sale with house.
