4 Harbour Village Drive, Gulf Harbour. Photo/Supplied
4 Harbour Village Drive, Gulf Harbour. Photo/Supplied
4, HARBOUR VILLAGE DRIVE, GULF HARBOUR
4
3
2
SIZE:
190sq m (approx).
PRICE INDICATION:
This property will be of interest to buyers over the $1 million mark. Body corp $6146.40 per annum, residential levy $1395.92, berth levy $2395.08.
INSPECT:
Sat/Sun 2-2.30pm. Auction on-site 5pm February 22.
SCHOOL ZONES:
Gulf Harbour School, Whangaparaoa College.
CONTACT:
Robbie and Fiona Castle, Harcourts, mob 0211 858 211 (Robbie) or 021 2626 858 (Fiona).
If 90-year-old Val Fry fancied a change from retirement she'd make a compellingly enthusiastic salesperson for the premium tilt-slab concrete apartments right on Gulf Harbour's marina.
She says of her large, two-level, freehold waterfront apartment with four decks and its own 15m boat berth, "I just love it. I love having the water so close you can see the mullet jumping. I'm known as a fishaholic. You're not allowed to fish in the canal but in my dreams I do.
"It's wonderful sitting and watching the boats going in and out. It's very tranquil because it's a private canal, not open to the general public, with a five-knot speed limit.
"When my husband, John, was alive we used to get away as often as we could, often entertaining friends on our boat. It's so easy when your home is lock-up-and-leave and your boat is on your doorstep.
"It's practically within spitting distance. You just walk out down some steps and step on to it from your jetty."
Val grew up boating, getting to know John because he sailed with her brothers. Parents-of-three, Val and John owned yachts and power boats over the years.
They moved here from Northcote 18 years ago for the ease of having their own boat moored at their jetty out front. John passed away early last decade.
"When we first saw this we knew it was exactly what we wanted. We were the first ever residents in this particular apartment.
"I've always felt very safe because it's a gated community so you've got to have a key to get in the gate."
Val suspects John's background as a land surveyor helped guide them towards this enduring tilt-slab construction.
The sunny apartment takes up the upper two levels of this location with a neighbour's single-level apartment below. The residence has four decks with one off the front and one off the rear of each level.
Val's home also overlooks a large expanse of mature trees.
"The position makes it very private living here. And I get to hear the birds singing a lot."
A roomy lounge opens up to a front deck with unobstructed close-up views of the marina.
Val used to teach home economics and says the kitchen set-up with long Corian benches facing each other is great to work in.
"It's most convenient because you can just turn around from bench to bench."
The kitchen opens to a separate dining area near an office. This level also has a sizeable bathroom and laundry.
Image 1 of 3: Marina apartment offers views, space, sun and a berth for a yacht on the doorstep
Upstairs, the master bedroom suite takes up the width of the apartment, opening to a front deck facing the water. Vaulted ceilings reinforce the sense of space. It has an en suite incorporating a bath and it also has a walk-in-wardrobe.
"You can sit in the bath and look at the marina and the boats," she says.
Two of the other three bedrooms open to another deck while the third looks down on to trees. A third bathroom completes the level.
The apartment comes with two allocated parking spaces in the complex's communal garaging.
Val doesn't want to farewell this spread but recognises her age and health make moving the sensible option now she's no longer driving. Fortunately, her new home attached to her daughter's place is close by on the other side of the water. She is pleased she'll still be able to look out on to the water, albeit from a more elevated position.
