SCHOOL ZONES:
Hauraki Primary, Belmont Intermediate, Takapuna Grammar, Westlake Girls.
CONTACT:
Chico Timoti, Harcourts, 021 962 140
Tracey King and James Ehau reckon the Hauraki neighbourhood was an undiscovered patch of Takapuna when they built this home in 2011.
"The demographics of the area are definitely changing," says Tracey, who grew up in Takapuna. Parents especially are keen to buy into Herbert and nearby streets in this safe area so their children can walk to popular Hauraki School (the principal and staff are inspirational, says Tracey).
The couple and their children, Jackson, now 15 and Dallas, 5, had been looking at homes in the area when they saw the Herbert St sections for sale.
"We walked down the drive and we thought it couldn't have been in a better position," says James. Having grown up in the South Island, he appreciates the natural habitat and the feeling of space that the view over the harbour provides, while still being close to the action of the city -- in 10 to 15 minutes if traffic is flowing well.
When it came to the new build, they were impressed by Jalcon Homes' show homes.
It was important the design would work with the contours of their sloping site, and Jalcon Homes used an architectural firm to produce plans for the 316sq m home over multiple levels. "We had to put in multiple foundations and retaining walls," says James. "It's like we have the SkyTower beneath us."
They like that their home has architectural features but remains livable. And life was certainly busy ... they were building this home, had a new baby, and were getting a business up and running.
The reward for that hard work is a strikingly beautiful weatherboard contemporary house, double-glazed, fully insulated and smart-wired, with views over Shoal Bay, reaching across to the Harbour Bridge and the city. They kept landscaping to a minimum, choosing to focus on their family. They enjoy having running, walking and cycle tracks nearby and being close to Takapuna's cafes, bars and shops.
Inside, they have spacious living areas; outside, they have a choice of deck areas, their heated sea water lap pool, barbecue areas, al-fresco dining and, off the master bedroom, James' happy place, a deck that wraps two sides of the house. "It almost feels like living in an apartment up here, but with more space. It is a good place to have a beer after a long week. It is great in summer but I love winter, too, because of the exposure of the elements."
Image 1 of 7: ... and the Harbour Bridge light up at dusk from this contemporary and expansive pad that is ideally zoned for schools
Starting from the lowest level you have the fifth bedroom, which James and Tracey use as a gym. It opens out to a deck (plumbed for a spa, if desired) and also has a toilet.
The next level has the open-plan living area, which flows to the deck and pool. The custom-designed kitchen is important to this couple whose businesses focus on good nutrition. Behind the kitchen (with De Dietrich appliances and Elica Collection Star extractor hood and induction hobs) is a butler's pantry plus the laundry with a chute from the family bathroom. There is another separate living space with gas fire, and an office. "Open plan has its own benefits but sometimes you want to close off an area and cosy up," says Tracey.
She says preparing evening meals in the kitchen has the bonus of watching the Harbour Bridge and city light up as dusk falls. And magnificent sunsets are made even more magic at full tide as the glow of the sky is reflected in the water.
Next level up is the front door, the oversized double garage, a bedroom and bathroom. And then you have the master with en suite and walk-in wardrobe, Tracey's office space and another bedroom. And on the top level is another bedroom and the family bathroom.
A sophisticated sound system allows zoning for the different areas of the house and the three heat pumps, including one to heat the pool.
The couple are selling because they want to build again.
"We loved building this. It was a big project and then we needed time to sit back and enjoy it. But now we are ready to do something else together," says Tracey.
They think the next buyers will probably be another family. "Hauraki School is a big drawcard and you are also in the zone for Takapuna Grammar."
