Point Chevalier wasn’t actually on their list of desired suburbs when Dan Boulton and Dave Chisholm were house-hunting five years ago.
But when they spotted a new weatherboard home in a quiet cul-de-sac overlooking the harbour and the adjacent Raymond Reserve, they knew they’d hit the jackpot.
“We’re big entertainers with a teenage son and between us we have lots of family members who come and stay, so space was definitely a consideration, and this house has it in abundance,” says Dan.
“It easily accommodates 10 or so people, with plenty of toilets and bathrooms.”
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Enjoying lots of light, the ground floor is where most of the living happens.
The high-quality cook’s kitchen might have the very best in appliances, but Dan says he and Dave tend to do more cooking in the scullery at its rear. It helps keep clutter at bay when there are guests.
The dining area is part of the informal living room and easily accommodates an eight-piece dining suite. The formal lounge has a gas fire which effectively heats the whole floor.
On the second level is the office, the second and third bedrooms (the fourth, with en suite, is downstairs) and the master suite with its tiled en suite, walk-in wardrobe, and views of the reserve and harbour.
Along the hallway is the family bathroom, complete with a luxurious bath.
A bonus on this level is the huge second living room, which has a small kitchenette behind sliding doors.
Dan and Dave are both keen gardeners and, having installed a pool, they’ve planted lush, subtropical species, such as bromeliads and palms. The result is a garden which looks spectacular but is easy care, says Dan.
“What we really love is that it’s so private, it has the reserve next door, and it feels like an island resort.”
The deck to the rear of the house has a louvered roof, plus screens and a heater, which means it can be used comfortably for at least eight months of the year.
Since moving in, Dan and Dave have taken up paddle-boarding and discovered lots of private, picturesque bays.
“People often don’t know that this is such a great part of Auckland if you love the water and the beaches never get really busy, even at the height of summer,” Dan says.
Over the past five years Dan and Dave have noticed a number of cafes starting up in the area. There’s even a delicatessen. “Everyone is friendly down at our local shops and we really enjoy wandering along to see them.”
Having loved their hideaway home very much, Dan and Dave are making a move to Dunedin, where Dan has a new job.
“It’s a move we were always planning but this great career opportunity came up a few years earlier than expected,” he says.
4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 parking spaces
SIZE (more or less): Land, 579sq m, House 306sq m.
Sale by negotiation.
INSPECT: Sat/Sun 2.30-3pm.
SCHOOLS: Pt Chevalier Primary, Western Springs College.
CONTACT: David Simons 021 277 7579 or Jennifer Temm Muns 027 222 1555, UP
