The house at 7A Clifton Road, in Auckland’s North Shore suburb of Hauraki, wasn’t exactly what they were looking for.
“The internal layout was a bit strange and didn’t really flow very well,” says owner Virginia. “However, Randy and I decided that the location was perfect, and we could make it work for us, so we bought it anyway.”
That was around 20 years ago and it’s a decision the couple have never regretted.
Following an intensive renovation which involved sourcing materials from all around the world, including tapware from America and light fittings from the United Kingdom, the interior was completely transformed.
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“We totally upgraded everything to ‘the best of the best’,” says Virginia, adding that the new floor plan was a huge improvement – providing large spaces for entertaining and guest quarters comprising a bedroom and bathroom downstairs for family visiting regularly from the States.
Also on the ground level is a double garage, separate laundry and a powder room with an exotic copper basin, which Virginia found on her global travels. The kitchen, dining and lounge area enjoys the bonus of a scullery and opens to a sunny terrace with an adjacent deck.
Upstairs two further bedrooms share the family bathroom and along with the home office, there’s a spacious light-filled providing extra living space.
The vendors bought the home 20 years ago and have access to the beach at the bottom of the garden.
“We totally upgraded everything to ‘the best of the best’,” says one of the homeowners.
With what must surely be the biggest wardrobe on this side of the water, the master suite is truly luxurious – and opens to the balcony with its expansive sea views.
“We’ve loved living here because it’s just so classic and timeless and of course the coastal vibe is really appealing too,” says Virginia.
One particularly happy memory is of a big dinner party held at the house a few years ago.
“We had pre-drinks on the balcony upstairs while the caterers did their magic downstairs, and the dining tables were all set out – it was just lovely.”
The couple live mainly in the USA, in California and Nevada, so they feel that the Clifton Road home hasn’t been used as much as it should be over recent years.
“Selling it still isn’t easy though,” says Virginia. “Randy feels that his soul is in this house, and he just loves drawing and drafting here.”
On the ground floor is large spaces for entertaining, guest quarters, double garage, laundry and powder room.
The kitchen, dining and lounge area enjoys the bonus of a scullery and opens to a sunny terrace with an adjacent deck.
Above all, she says, they’ll miss the quiet tree-lined street, plus their access to the beach, at the bottom of the garden, and the pleasure of wandering along to the local café for a morning coffee.
“When I had chores to do in Takapuna, I would find myself walking down the beach instead of getting in the car as it was just as quick. If I needed to drive to the city, that was no problem because we’re close to the motorways and lights on Hauraki Road make it easy to get into the traffic.”
7A Clifton Road, in Hauraki, has a 2021 RV of $4.125 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 2003 for $1.946m.
Victoria Bidwell, of Bayleys Takapuna, says that the property – which enjoys lush subtropical gardens – is stylish and immaculate.
“This spacious and well-appointed home has wide appeal with its sought-after position in a tightly held street, private beach access, aspect for sun and pool.”
- 7A Clifton Road in Hauraki, North Shore, Auckland, is for sale by negotiation
