Laingholm

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

This peaceful hideaway just down the hill from Titirangi is a quaint area with a very strong community spirit.

Hard-pushed to find anyone that leaves the area once they have moved here, people just fall in love with Laingholm and wouldn't consider living anywhere else.

And this is not hard to believe when you see the spectacular views enjoyed by many homes, the large sections, wonderful reserves and the pretty waterfront.

Once called Muddy Creek, the area was originally farmed by the Laing family, so the area's history focuses on this one family.

Their house was not far from the beach in a sheltered position and had a pitched roof and small attic rooms. Extensively altered around 1915, the homestead became a two-storey dwelling with many large rooms, some opening to verandas.

In the late 1800s, the surrounding districts of Titirangi and Big Muddy Creek developed with the improved access to New Lynn and Auckland.

The estate was eventually subdivided into 474 sections, with sections ranging from 25 pounds for steep hillside sites to 150 pounds for section number 213 on the beachfront, and 250 pounds for section number 474 on the south-east point, according to Norman Laing's book The Settlement of the Huia.

It says there was an elaborate brochure produced by the agents, extolling the virtues of the area with phrases such as "Pick of the Manukau", "Unique seaside subdivision", "Dual attraction of beach and bush", "Unsurpassed vistas of land and sea", "Sheltered from summer heat and winter cold" and "Charm and variety, where nerve-wracked businessmen can gain renewed strength" - and how right they were.

The first stop following the coast of the Manukau Harbour from Titirangi to Manukau Heads, Laingholm is known for its native bush and bird life and tranquil surrounds.

Local agent Craig Darroch, of Harveys, says that this part of West Auckland has gained a reputation for its unspoiled environment, bush walks, and strong community spirit. "Much of our business is shifting people around the area as their housing needs change - not many people actually leave the area."

He says that people who live in the area are very passionate about it.

Another local agent and resident, Maggie Milnes of Bayleys, agrees and adds that on a trip from London she visited Laingholm and fell in love with the area. She then went home, sold up and bought a property in Laingholm from England and moved here 17 years ago. She says she wouldn't live anywhere else.

LAINGHOLM SCHOOL

An important icon in the area is the school, which is fondly known by locals as "the best little school in the universe". With most of the community activity centred on the school, the area has become very popular with young families and professionals looking to start a family. There is also a Steiner school in the area.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO?

Just a quick drive up the hill is Titirangi village with its fantastic boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and Lopdell House, which hosts many activities.

And who can forget the west coast beaches. Being on the coast, Laingholm is the first beach of many, including Karekare, Piha, Anawhata, Bethells Beach and Muriwai, enjoying the rugged conditions that make this area so special.

HOUSE PRICES

House prices range from $230,000 for a cottage or bach to $500 000 for a premium property with views. It has been said that exclusive properties could fetch as much as $2 million. It would be hard to find a property in the early $200,000s, but generally for a good-sized home on a decent section prices are in the $300,000-$400,000 range. And considering what you get, that is fairly good buying in Auckland's market.