The owner of this captivating property almost never watches morning TV but one day she did, spotting an ad for a harbourside residence that immediately tugged at her heartstrings. This elegant property with beautiful water views is the first one you reach after crossing the causeway to Herald Island.
“It absolutely caught my eye and I said ‘where is this place?’ as I’d never heard of Herald Island.”
The roughly 40-hectare island lies between Whenuapai and Greenhithe; connected to Whenuapai by a causeway since the 1950s.
This home once offered wedding parties upmarket accommodation. More recently, husband-and-wife owners who are hairdressers, thoroughly modernised it while retaining its charm.
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The current owner says: “Being here feels like you’re at a resort in Barbados or somewhere similar. I like the fact it used to host wedding parties. It feels like a lot of love has been left here. Everybody says this place has got a very zen feeling to it.”
The original 1960s home had a dignified air, which has evolved into a timeless, classical-meets-contemporary ambiance. Its white exterior of weatherboards and painted brick teams with grey roofing, fretwork, balconies and pergolas.
“When I first walked in the door I burst into tears as I could just picture my family here, visiting and relaxing. It felt like home straight away because it had been renovated to be exactly my style.”
1A Ferry Parade on Herald Island, Waitakere, is on the market for sale by tender, closing October 14. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom property has a 2021 CV of $2.45 million.
One side of the home flows out to a covered deck with outdoor fireplace, alongside a patio culminating in a covered spa pool pergola.
The original 1960s home had a dignified air, which has evolved into a timeless, classical-meets-contemporary ambiance.
The owner bought this tranquil 684sqm property in 2020. The music lover has bolstered its existing modern functionality by installing a Control4 home automation system for surround sound and security.
She added an electronic front gate to rein in visiting grandchildren and her dog (who since passed away) and to secure four-car open-air parking.
The entrance opens into an expansive living-dining-entertainers’ kitchen, with the latter able to be shut off if desired. It features a large island, scullery, instant hot water tap and two ovens.
To the north, living opens to an open-sided pavilion under a pitched roof. This neighbours a light-filled studio with wide-opening bifold front doors and an exquisitely angled peaked ceiling, where the owner paints, draws and writes.
The other side of the home flows out to a covered deck with outdoor fireplace, alongside a patio culminating in a covered spa pool pergola.
“I love that deck facing the sea, whether I’m watching the tide change or admiring the most spectacular sunsets.”
The light-filled studio with wide-opening bifold front doors and an exquisitely angled peaked ceiling is where the current owner paints, draws and writes.
Barfoot & Thompson agent Zoe-Lou Morris: “This is contemporary living at the water’s edge ... a jewel on Herald Island.”
The view has become even more extensive since council felled several pine trees from the patch of reserve which separates this property from the water. Previous owners took a path down to launch their kayaks into the sea. This ground level also has two ensuited bedrooms, a powder room and laundry, plus utility and storage rooms.
Upstairs, the ensuited master bedroom, with walk-through wardrobe and sea-gazing balcony, can use a family room with balcony as its own living area if desired. Two more bedrooms and a bathroom complete upstairs.
The owner has transitioned the gardens to include sub-tropicals alongside fruiting trees and more, delighting in its fragrances and seasonal highlights. She’s enjoyed the island’s friendly sense of community but has decided to move closer to family.
Barfoot & Thompson agent Zoe-Lou Morris says: “This is contemporary living at the water’s edge ... a jewel on Herald Island. With multiple entertaining areas, five bedrooms and four bathrooms, this romantic residence will appeal to those seeking blissful serenity and charming character with the convenience of the 21st century.
“Providing an island lifestyle yet still close to the Auckland CBD.”
- 1A Ferry Parade on Herald Island, Waitakere, is for sale by tender, closing October 14
