Titirangi

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR

Titirangi has often assumed the mantle as a metaphor for Auckland's alternative lifestylers - probably with some justification. However, the suburb portrays some excellent residential architecture in serene bush settings and has become popular with all types of professionals.

The area is well-known as a haven for writers, weavers, potters, artists and others with a creative bent. This trend hails back to the 1960s, when many of these artistic folk migrated to the bush-clad hills. And many of them are still in their dwellings, which nestle in the cliffs surrounding the winding roads cut out of the landscape. Added to the creative social environment today are fashion designers, computer graphic artists and the occasional multimedia professional. This list should not, of course, exclude the numerous doctors, lawyers, accountants and academics who choose to live in one of the most peaceful slices of real estate in the city.

Titirangi's finest homes are often hidden from the road down driveways surrounded by native ferns and ponga trees. Gardens are manufactured to reflect their natural environments. The views will include bush-framed cityscapes or impressive snapshots of Manukau Harbour.

As one 27-year resident states: "Titirangi is Auckland at its premium - native bush beauty, yet so close to the normality of one's weekday existence. Arriving home every evening and relaxing each weekend makes living in this suburb an event in itself."

As with other parts of the city, Titirangi has been a drawcard for numerous returning expats, and the result has been upward trends in the prices of homes, although given the quality of the buildings and the natural surroundings available, prices are still seen as reasonable by Auckland standards.

While the most exclusive homes in Titirangi could command prices between $800,000 and $1 million, there is much quality stock between $350,000 and $800,000. Included in this are modern three- to four-bedroom family homes in quiet streets within walking distance of some of the more desirable schools. Large homes requiring some renovation with views of Manukau Harbour could be yours for between $350,000 and $500,000. Immaculate 50-year-old, three-bedroom, brick and tile or weatherboard bungalows are fetching in the mid-$300,000s. One feature of the houses is the large size of the sections - which can be anything from 600sq m to more than 1000sq m. This adds to the outdoor appeal for many families who choose to live here.

The local shopping strip is home to abundant cafes and retail outlets. There are quality primary schools, and Green Bay and Kelston Boys and Girls High Schools are the local secondary schools. While the roads of Titirangi attract many a keen jogger and cyclist, the area is close to some of the best bushwalks in the country.