Whenuapai: Secret location

Not many people are familar with the area that houses this splendid home with captivating views, as CEDRIC GRAY reports.

Nobody ever told Joe Mihaljevich about a new subdivision overlooking the upper reaches of the Waitemata Harbour between Riverhead and Coatesville.

The West Harbour builder came across it when driving through the district "looking at nothing in particular", and he promptly bought the 2ha property.

It's hardly surprising that it almost escaped Joe's notice. The land is in James Paige Lane, a cul-de-sac off no-exit Lloyd Rd. Traffic movement in a day could be counted on the fingers of one hand.

The property, if views are the yardstick, is arguably the best in a subdivision described by Shona Jurlina, of Bayleys, West Harbour, as "one of Auckland's best-kept secrets".

Lying to the south-east, it commands glorious views across the commercial gardens of Whenuapai, the airport and the city.

In the foreground is an arm of the Waitemata Harbour, a sheltered stretch where a variety of water sports are popular.

The recently completed one-level house, of 386sq m, enjoys an elevated site at the end of a paved driveway lined on one side with newly planted queen palms.

The site awaits full landscaping, but there are small river stone gardens, the lawns have been established and two patios for outdoor entertaining have been built.

The house was designed by Mark Dowling, a West Auckland architect who has ensured that the main living areas capture the best of the views.

The family room, formal lounge and kitchen share the semi-open-plan design, the stylish kitchen enjoying a variety of quality features, including black granite benchtops, a double oven and gas and electric cooking options.

A 1200mm "real fire" gas fireplace has a black granite surround, and is a feature of the formal lounge where sloping wood ceilings (also in the family room) add greatly to the appeal. There is under-floor heating in the bathroom, toilet and main living areas.

There are five bedrooms, one of which has been designed as a home office. The master bedroom has an en suite, with a corner spa bath and double vanity, and a walk-in wardrobe.

Three-car garaging is attached to the house, and there is a full security system and an electronically controlled gateway. A 27,000lt water tank is supplied by roof catchment.

Three paddocks suited to light grazing have been newly fenced. They slope towards two ornamental ponds on neighbouring properties and, when landscaped, will add further beauty to the environment.

The property will be auctioned by Bayleys on March 5. Contact Shona Jurlina on 416 7788 for details.