It’s hard to imagine now, but this substantial, bright and breezy seaside home which occupies a most enviable position, overlooking Takapuna Beach with sweeping views beyond – towards Rangitoto and the Hauraki Gulf, was once nothing like as large and stylish as it is now.
The current owner says that it was originally constructed during the 1940s for a caregiver who worked at the legendary Merksworth Castle, a century-old local curiosity, which still looms impressively to its rear.
“I think they added the top storey in the 1970s but it didn’t really look right to us, so, not long after we bought here, over 18 years ago, we took that part off and completely rebuilt the house – adding a new second level that really maximises the incredible views.
“We wanted a home that’s relaxed, with a breezy coastal vibe – and definitely nothing too posh.”
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The layout includes three bedrooms on the lower level (including one with an ensuite) along with a vast recreation room, a separate laundry and no fewer than three generous storage rooms.
Upstairs is the main living area, which includes a family room, living room and sitting room in a very cleverly designed open-plan layout. It also includes the u-shaped kitchen, a well-equipped space where preparing food for family and friends is always streamlined and sociable.
The master bedroom with its walk-in wardrobe and ensuite is on this floor as well.
There are four bedrooms, two bathrooms and garaging for two vehicles, on a 315sqm floor plan sitting on a 693sqm section. Photo / Supplied
The u-shaped kitchen is a well-equipped space where preparing food for family and friends is always streamlined and sociable. Photo / Supplied
“It’s like living in your own bach, and being on holiday every day,” says the owner, who admits that hours pass by quickly, as she sits and gazes at the water.
“I walk the dog in one direction on the beach in the morning and in the other direction in the evening. It does get a bit busy in summer but in winter you often have it all to yourself.”
She says that the historic stone fence at the end of the garden, which was constructed many years ago as part of the Merksworth Castle estate serves to give her property extra privacy.
“I can be relaxing on my deck and people on the beach don’t even know I’m there because they can’t see me.”
The neighbourhood is home to many long-term residents.
The historic stone fence at the end of the garden was constructed many years ago as part of the Merksworth Castle estate. Photo / Supplied
“We wanted a home that’s relaxed, with a breezy coastal vibe – and definitely nothing too posh,” says the current homeowner. Photo / Supplied
“Properties here are tightly held and rarely change hands,” she says.
“Everybody around us is absolutely lovely and we’re in such a handy position for everything. If I want to go shopping or to a café I just have to decide between Takapuna and Milford, because they’re both about the same distance away.”
She adds that the property is very private. “We close the security gates every night and feel completely safe.”
Chris Batchelor, from Bayleys, Takapuna, specialises in waterfront sales and says that this is a very rare opportunity to secure a quality home in a prime location.
“It is a great property and very comfortable, just as it is, while an astute buyer could add further value, if they wanted to.”
- 255 Hurstmere Road in Takapuna, North Shore, Auckland, is for sale by a set date, closing April 3
