SCHOOL ZONES:
Freemans Bay Primary, Ponsonby Intermediate, Auckland Girls’ Grammar and Western Springs College.
CONTACT:
Blair Watson, Kellands, 021 502 930.
AUCTION:
July 6 at 6pm on site (unless sold prior).
Having lived in the Beaumont Quarter for more than two years, Rob and Carole Ellis had long admired the standalone townhouse further up the hill that looked out over the precinct.
So when the chance came to buy 17 The Boardwalk, they pounced. As the name suggests, the three-level townhouse is accessed by a boardwalk that runs parallel to Fisher Point Drive, where the couple had been living.
The three-storey home with a rooftop terrace is distinctive, consisting of three stacked, cantilevered boxes. The top floor features a loggia deck looking back to the city.
"Being standalone is unique in the Beaumont Quarter complex," Rob says. "And, actually, you just don't get a standalone townhouse in the inner city. Also, having two secure undercover car parks is fantastic.
"Of course, the views to Rangitoto, Westhaven marina and the beautiful night cityscape are to die for."
When they bought the home more than a year ago, Rob and Carole set about a top-to-toe renovation.
Rob says: "We have completely gutted the whole house as it was very dated and had not been touched since being built. It now has new blond-oak flooring, new bathrooms, new LED lighting, networked wi-fi, has been redecorated throughout, has a new laundry and a new kitchen with the all-important ice maker and wine fridge."
On the bottom floor are a bedroom with en suite and walk-in wardrobe, and a separate laundry.
On the next level are two bedrooms and the main bathroom, which like the two en suites -- one attached to the master bedroom -- has tiles with a coppery metallic sheen.
Image 1 of 6: This standalone home is a rare find in the central city. Photos / Ted Baghurst
As with the downstairs bedroom, the master bedroom has frosted glazing for privacy and its own balcony with views back to the city.
Those views grow more impressive when you reach the open plan kitchen/living area on level three, which has a higher stud and floor to ceiling glazing.
Stacking sliders open to the east-facing loggia and a smaller north-facing balcony.
With a monochromatic colour scheme, the kitchen sits to the rear of the space.
A wall featuring wallpaper with a stylised skyline extends from the kitchen towards the loggia and mimics its view of the city. Access to the rooftop terrace is in a corner beside the kitchen.
Rob says they love the amount of space the home has and the way it can easily cater for guests.
"There are huge outdoor areas with a great rooftop deck to drink G&Ts on summer evenings, or breakfast on the front deck watching the sun rise behind the Skytower. Oh, and the fireworks at New Year's Eve."
He says the Beaumont Quarter "is incredibly well maintained and has a strong sense of community with Christmas barbecues, and wide open grass areas with a private village atmosphere".
He says: "Being able to walk to the Wynyard Quarter and the Viaduct is a nice temptation. We have a holiday home in Taupo so being able to lock up and leave knowing it's secure is a huge plus."
He says the Beaumont Quarter is pet-friendly so being next to Victoria Park is great for walking dogs or just watching the cricket in summer.
"Also Ponsonby is just up the road; north and south motorway access is a dream," says Rob.
"The Beaumont Quarter is well-maintained with the best complex manager in the business. Many people who live here work in the city so can easily walk to work."
Rob says they carried out the refurbishment of their new home with the intention of staying there for many years.
"We were expanding our business in Auckland and were planning a facility on the North Shore so being next to the Northern Motorway on and off ramps was a huge plus," he says.
"Then out of the blue an opportunity came up for us to retire, and we said 'Why not?' so we did."
