Christine and Bruce Mclean’s Christchurch home was severely damaged in the first Canterbury earthquake, a 7.1 magnitude rumble that occurred on September 4, 2010.
“It was devastating for us, and for our children, so when the quakes just kept coming, we decided to move to Auckland and start again,” says Christine.
She and Bruce have done a number of renovations since arriving in the city of sails.
Their latest is metres from the waterfront, in a north-facing, grandstand position with sensational views overlooking the lush green of Watene Reserve, adjacent to Orakei Domain.
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“The house, as we bought it, had been owned by an older couple and it was pretty original inside and out,” says Bruce.
“The agent said that it needed new owners with good imaginations and we figured that was us.”
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While the basic layout of the house has changed little, it presents as practically a new-build, with only the very best materials used throughout.
The exterior is brick and weatherboard and all the joinery has been replaced and windows double-glazed.
On the ground floor is a four-car garage, in which you could also keep a boat, campervan, or other large items.
The living space on this level is semi-self-contained, with a generous bedroom, elegant marble-tiled bathroom and the real jewel — a huge living area with kitchenette and doors to the front patio with its barbecue and built-in fireplace.
“A new owner could use this part of the house in so many different ways,” says Christine.
“It would be perfect for elderly parents, teenagers, an au pair, or even bed and breakfast guests.”
Upstairs a new entertainer’s kitchen has quality Miele appliances (including two ovens) and views of the grassy reserve.
“We haven’t cut corners here,” says Bruce. “Everything in this kitchen is high quality and intended to last.”
The dining and living area is airy and spacious, with large windows and American oak floorboard.
And there’s a balcony, which is a real sun trap.
The bedroom wing has been freshly re-carpeted, with soft, spongy underlay.
The master suite, which opens out to a small, sunny deck, is packed with luxury features including a tiled, marble bathroom with under-floor heating and a big walk-in robe with organisers for all varieties of shoes and clothes.
“Nobody can ever have too much storage,” says Christine, “so we’ve included it everywhere we can.”
Bedrooms two and three each have fitted wardrobes and access to their own private little decks and gardens.
“It’s not a huge section but every part of it works hard,” says Bruce.
“I think this house will appeal to people who like apartment-style living but who want some garden and outdoor spaces for relaxing.”
He and Christine have planted hedges all around the perimeter, and they’re already growing well.
“The idea is to make the outdoor spaces a little more private,” says Bruce. In such a central spot it goes without saying that all the amenities you could possibly need lie just a short walk or drive away from your new front door.
One of the city’s great attractions, Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s, is just down the road.
The city is 10 minutes by car or bus and there are shops, cafes, restaurants and boutiques nearby. Christine and Bruce say this is the ideal location for water-sport fans.
For starters, they reckon it is the best spot in the harbour for paddle-boarding.
And, when the giant pohutukawa along the waterfront burst into bloom in a month or two, there’ll be no doubting that summer is here.
The couple are off to look at new projects.
25 WATENE CRESCENT, ORAKEI, AUCKLAND
4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 carparks
SIZE (more or less): Land cross-lease, house 273sq m.
INSPECT: Sat/Sun 2-2.30pm.
AUCTION: 5pm, Sept 19, 411 Remuera Rd (unless sold prior).
SCHOOLS: Orakei School, Selwyn College.
CONTACT: Steen Nielsen, Ray White, 027 557 8336.
