SCHOOL ZONES:
Whangaparaoa School, Whangaparaoa College.
CONTACT:
Karen Franklin, Harcourts, 021 779 838
The house that Frank and Lucy Vranjes, originally from New Lynn, built high on a hill in Stanmore Bay at the time of their retirement 28 years ago, is still as good as new.
It's stylish, well-appointed and, above all, light and bright -- which is exactly what they intended. An elevated position gives it access to glorious views over Manly Beach and Tindalls Bay, then over to Kawau Island, Little Barrier, and of course, the mighty Rangitoto.
The house was designed by an architect and Frank and Lucy's son Graeme remembers his father closely monitored every step of the construction process. Being a perfectionist, he wanted to make sure the builders got everything spot on.
The walls are made with Insulclad and Frank meticulously maintained them, washing them annually and repainting where and when necessary, until his recent death at the age of 93.
"Dad used to say that even a Rolls Royce will rust if you don't look after it, and he was absolutely right," says Graeme.
Inside, the house has four good-sized bedrooms, a bathroom that has proved classic and timeless, and lots of lovely space for living and dining. The decor is simple, and a gentle seaside theme runs throughout in terms of colour.
The simple, neat kitchen, bathed in morning sun, has a breakfast bar facing out to sea and this is where Frank and Lucy would sit each morning, sipping their coffee, reading the newspaper and watching the endlessly changing show on the beach below them.
Depending on the weather and the time of year, there are always people swimming, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, sunbathing or simply walking along the sand.
Dolphins often jump and dive in the sparkling waters and if you're keen on fishing, this is a perfect spot for launching the boat and casting out.
Manly Yacht Club regularly races out in the bay; a colourful spectacle to behold.
Image 1 of 9: 57 Stanmore Bay Rd, Stanmore Bay. Photograph by Fiona Goodall
Because Frank was looking for a simple life, much of the section is paved, with concrete planter boxes built to enjoy full sun, and he grew vegetables here for himself and Lucy -- now in a retirement village -- and their neighbours.
There's loads of space to park a boat, campervan or caravan and plenty of room for visitors' cars, too.
"When the grandchildren were young, this was a great place for them to zoom around on their bikes and skateboards," says Graeme.
The internally accessed garage is a generous single and includes the laundry and a second toilet. Another area under the house was used as a tool shed by Frank, who was always pottering around, making one thing or another. It's also the perfect location for a wine cellar.
The neighbourhood is much more built-up than it used to be and this has brought many advantages. Whangaparaoa Shopping Centre, with supermarkets, shops and other amenities are just a few minutes' walk away, and cafes and restaurants also abound.
It's also very easy to get to the two beaches, Manly and Stanmore Bay, with more beaches to explore as you travel around the peninsula, and Shakespeare Reserve at the end is a great destination for families, with peacocks to admire, and beautiful bushwalks.
While this was the perfect home for Frank and Lucy's retirement, it would be equally suitable for a young family.
It's the sort of house that makes you feel as if you're on holiday year-round, and Graeme says this is exactly what his parents loved about it.
