KEY POINTS:
33 Hill Rd, Palm Beach, Waiheke Island
Many a person who's stayed in short-term accommodation on Waiheke Island has at some stage wished they owned a patch of land there. This distinctive property at Palm Beach may just sate their desire.
Built from large mud bricks and featuring architectural quirks, such as gothic revival-style arches and dormer windows, this home is set on a large, 1007sq m site and is surrounded by lush sub-tropical planting and some natives, including a rare white pohutukawa. Completely private and set down from the road, this property enjoys views of Palm Beach.
Owners Bruce and Karen Anderson have owned the home since 2000, when they bought it as an unfinished project.
"We were attracted to it for its uniqueness and its scale, the bricks, the palms and the rocks. It definitely didn't feel like a prissy little place," says Bruce.
The Andersons have enjoyed spending time at their holiday property, and have also offered it as short-term accommodation for the past few years under the name of Phoenix Retreat.
"We've had some lovely responses from guests and many return visits. They mention how it's like a fairy tale here."
The Andersons have relished the property's seclusion and say it almost seems like it has its own eco-climate.
"We can get here and watch the clouds rolling in, but still be sitting here in shorts and T-shirts, enjoying the warmth," says Bruce. "In fact, we're so content in that environment that we rarely feel like leaving to go out, even to the beach, which is absurd when it's one of the best beaches on the island."
The house has two large bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs, with living, dining and a timber kitchen downstairs. A separate chalet has a further bedroom and bathroom, offering privacy for extended family and friends or for paying guests. There are several decks for soaking up the sun.
The buildings offer a high level of craftsmanship. Besides the impressive mud bricks, other materials include tiled floors, macrocarpa, cedar joinery and copper spouting.
A neighbouring 1060sq m property at number 31, with a two bedroom bungalow on it, is also being offered for sale separately.
Features: Mud brick and timber home, plus stand-alone chalet, surrounded by a lush palm garden, with panoramic views. Main house has two bedrooms and one bathroom. Chalet has one bedroom and one bathroom.
Size: House 212sq m; Land 1007sq m
Price indication: In excess of $1 million. Auction 2pm, January 19, on site
Garaging: Off street parking for 3-4 cars
Agent: Kyle Truscott, ph 027 255 5166 and Roseanne Watt, ph 0275 330 935,
of Harcourts Waiheke, ph (09) 372 8727.
Viewing: Sun January 13, 1-2 pm, or by appointment
Web: www.harcourts.co.nz #WK071109
