Linger over long days by the lake

308a Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna. Photo / Ted Baghurst

308A HURSTMERE RD, TAKAPUNA

4

2.5

2*

SIZE: Land 690sq m, house 220sq m (approx)

PRICE INDICATION: Similar properties in the area have sold for $2 million-plus

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1pm-1.30pm. Auction March 27

ON THE WEB: http://www.bayleys.co.nz/1450120

SCHOOL ZONES: Takapuna School, Takapuna Normal Intermediate, Westlake Boys' and Girls', Takapuna Grammar

CONTACT: Beulah Thomson and Kim Spark, ph 021 275 8068, 021 839 244

FEATURES: *plus off-street parking

David and Janette Wylie were beguiled the moment they set eyes on this home nearly 20 years ago. It's easy to see why. It is hidden away from the road down a gated driveway on the upper-easterly shore of the lake. At the narrowest point of the strip of land accommodating Hurstmere Rd, you can dip your toes in the lake within seconds or opt to lay your towel on Thorne Bay's sand after two minutes' stroll. It's also a short walk to restaurants and cafes in Milford and Takapuna.

The two-storey home is now beautifully turned out despite rather more humble beginnings as a 1960s Lockwood Home.

Janette says: "We loved the fact that was totally lakeside so it was worth making the most of the opportunity to personalise the house that was here."

They engaged an architect, whose brief was was to reorientate the entry level's east-facing living to the opposite side so it could look out at the lake. "We wanted to connect with the lake. Now, right from the front door you get views through the house out to it," says Janette.

David adds: "People often walk in the front door and say 'ohhh!' because it's a bit unexpected."

There's open-air off-street parking bolstering the double carport, which provides covered entrance to the lower level of the home. Visitors arrive via manicured gardens announcing the front door. The gardens feature an under-lit granite water feature with three water plumes, the exposed trunks of pleached ficus, high-quality artificial lawn and Janette's hidden vege garden.

The original Lockwood exterior and interior still exist but have been sheathed over inside and out to achieve cleaner lines.

An immediate corridor of vision out to the lake draws visitors across Victorian ash flooring from the entrance way through the open-plan living-dining-kitchen hub with gas fireplace. "You walk towards the view and you feel as though you're right on top of the water," says David. "No motor boats or jetskis are allowed on Lake Pupuke, making it incredibly peaceful. You wouldn't know you're in the middle of the city here."

Image 1 of 6: 308a Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna. Photo / Ted Baghurst

Janette, who works for a food writer, has a covetable kitchen that includes a walk-in pantry, a big composite island and a servery window catering to the roomy side deck.

A lattice-style cedar-and-glass sliding door can be used to close living off from the entrance, while still allowing the view. to entice new arrivals. The master suite, with dressing room and ensuiteen suite, promotes lake-gazing from bed. This level also has a front bedroom-office opening to a deck, a laundry and separate toilet.

David and Janette are grandparents now and spend much of their their time boating and travelling, so the plan is to downsize.