Pat noticed this house when he lived up the road. He and Kate are the third owners -- but the first to live in the house.
The first owner never moved in, then the second owner bought it for his daughter, but she never moved in, so Pat traded his house for this one.
He saw the potential, and though some work was needed he got a stunning new house in a prime West Harbour location.
Outside was a small concrete pad and a bit of grass which he transformed into a large, paved, European-style courtyard, complete with an outdoor gas fire.
Pat, who is in technology, is also a bit of a muso and in summer you might find him jamming outside with his mates.
There's even an outdoor audio system, and inside on the ground floor he transformed a third garage, which was orange with green carpet, into a stylish cinema/entertainment room.
Image 1 of 7: Stunning views and a quiet neighbourhood have proved hard to abandon. Photo / David Rowland, Getty Images
There are plush couches and a big screen. He and Kate watch TV and movies in here, or you might find them hanging out in the kitchen/dining area which has a cosy gas fireplace as well.
Downstairs has a more formal living area and bedrooms, and up the stairs is another living area and more bedrooms.
This lounge has a balcony and this is where you find that fabulous view.
The location attracted the couple because they are the highest on the street.
"It's a bit unusual to find something that's elevated with a flat section, so it's elevated but flat," says Pat.
"I don't know if there was a specific design for the home but I can only assume it was really built with extended family in mind with the multiple living areas and just the size of it."
There are so many different places to hang out, and it's great to be in a central, but peaceful, spot.
"A couple of years ago if you wanted to go for a coffee you really only had Westgate or the North Shore but now there are four supermarkets within two kilometres."
The master bedroom has both en suite and walk-in wardrobe, and views.
Says Pat: "I love the views. Kate will tell me off for this but, you know, I have a shower with the door open and look straight to the harbour. The neighbours can't see and you don't get that often -- usually if you have a view it's not usually out of the bathroom.
"The unique part of Courtneys really is that it's dead quiet, you hardly know you've got neighbours. The only time you get disturbed is first thing in the morning when you hear the birds down in the mangroves.
"I've just loved being here all these years because it's just feels right. It's one of those homes that in bad weather you feel protected and on a busy day you come home and you look at that [view] and go, 'Nice.'"
The couple have taken around eight years to finally decide to move on but say that with just them plus Bella the dog, the house is too big.
