St Heliers: Summer loving

Bring on a property that epitomises summer living - heaps of space to spread out in, fabulous flow to the outdoors and a pool. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

With the rays of sunlight reappearing into our lives, Auckland enlivens and becomes a different beast. Gone are the gloomy faces and manic driving to be replaced with smiling beings cruising around the eastern bays, gearing themselves up for another spectacular summer.

And what better way to enjoy the long hot months than with a new home at one of the most desirable addresses in St Heliers.

At the top of the ridge at the end of the bay's Springcombe Rd, which continues on from Cliff Rd, are examples of some of the most prestigious real estate in Auckland.

This new home, at number 11, has been designed to maximise all that Aucklanders seek in ultimate living. It has a large floorplan that includes three bedrooms, a study and a generous master suite upstairs, and three living areas opening to a level garden and terrace on the lower level.

Designed by architect Alan Shanahan - who says that the home (one of three) originated from a brief that demanded large living areas that were all useable year-round and a separate master suite with its own study next door - this house has a presence. And that is exactly how Shanahan's concept developed when he designed this home down a right-of-way near the top of the road at Achilles Pt.

Double wooden doors open to the tiled entrance. Straight away, the eye is drawn through doors with glass insets to the front garden and tranquil swimming pool. The spacious living areas to the front and left join almost seamlessly, offering a large flowing area that is ideal for large-scale entertaining or cosy family evenings by the fireplace. The luxurious spaces are serviced by the stunning kitchen - complete with Heltich "Innotech" silver-coloured steel drawers, a Stonex bench top, Melamine cabinetry and Miele stainless-steel appliances - and offset by beautiful American oak strip flooring.

With nearly the whole back of the house opening up and vast amounts of sunlight beaming in, these incredible spaces are awe-inspiring.

The south side of the lower level is for the service rooms. A laundry, plush powder room with a funky basin set in wood, and access to the internal-access garage with its own external entrance complete the level. Up the stairs (or lift) are the bedrooms. The second level is split into two wings. A special feature, says Shanahan, the master suite has been designed so there is private living space for the owners. Gorgeous views of Rangitoto and the garden from the covered terrace are yet another example of how important the arresting topography was to the design and flow of the home.

The three other bedrooms are all generous and nearly all enjoy the same vista.

The sumptuous bathrooms are fitted out for exceptional bathing. Sculpted fixtures in a pleasing palette continue the clean lines of the home. However, they are softened beautifully with rich textures in the vanity tops and the porcelain tiles on the floors.

Features abound in this home and include air conditioning, two gas fireplaces, an integrated stereo system, visual monitor intercom, central vacuum and a hydraulic lift.

With such a sought-after address and a floorplan that is both spacious and dynamic, this home would make a great summer destination.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 11 Springcombe Rd, St Heliers.

FEATURES: Spacious new solid plaster home with four bedrooms, study, three bathrooms and views to city and harbour; double internal-access garage with cedar door and nylon carpet; porcelain and limestone tiles; Stonex benchtops; Miele stainless-steel appliances; a GE fridge-freezer with ice-maker; two gas fireplaces; underfloor heating in bathrooms, en suite and entry; separate laundry; large front garden with pool; central vacuum; lift access to second floor; integrated stereo system; visual monitor intercom; remote gate entrance; air conditioning.

SIZE: Land area 717sq m; floor area 319sq m.

AUCTION: On site, September 8, at 1pm.

AGENTS: Peter Sharp and Peter Cleave, Unlimited Potential, Remuera. Ph Peter Sharp 021 388 833 mob; Peter Cleave 021 756 246 mob.