It was love at first sight for the owners of this Karori Crescent home and after catching a glimpse of the sweeping Waitemata Harbour outlook 14 years ago, they knew they absolutely had to have it.
“The view is to die for. We didn’t want to let it go and stretched everything to buy it because we were so taken with the view,” one of them shares. “Waking up to that every morning is astonishingly beautiful and so calming.”
Sitting above Orakei’s Okahu Bay, the residence’s ever-changing vistas encompass all the activity on the Tamaki Strait, as well as Rangitoto and North Head. The elevated 852sqm freehold property is north-facing and savours a prime, grandstand position on this exclusive avenue located off Paritai Drive.
Spanning three levels, the expansive 458sqm floor plan offers five bedrooms, three-and-a half bathrooms, master with ensuite, a media room and office. Tucked behind crisp, manicured hedges, the outdoor living wraps around the swimming pool and built-in spa and has been the place for many gatherings over the years.
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“We’ve often had parties and events on the deck and everyone always complements the view and finds themselves gazing out at it. It’s always changing – you can see the cruise ships, the yachts and all the races.”
Another large deck, flat lawns, a treehouse and swing set at the rear also provide a safe and secure spot for kids to play. The home’s spacious and well-separated layout has worked perfectly for family life and entertaining.
“It’s got lots of different areas where people can just relax and hang out. We’ve had family events and weddings here and have so many photos filled with special memories. You can have upwards of 50 people here and not feel it.”
The 458sqm home has five bedrooms and three bathrooms, and sits on 852sqm of elevated land located off Paritai Drive. Photo / Supplied
Spanning three levels, the view takes in Tamaki Strait, as well as Rangitoto and North Head. Photo / Supplied
The kitchen, family room, dining and lounge on the middle level flow out poolside and two bedrooms, one with its own ensuite, are also located on this level.
Upstairs, the luxe master suite is a parents’ retreat and features a walk-in wardrobe, ensuite and balcony access, while two more bedrooms share the family bathroom. Four-car internal garaging on the ground floor comes complete with excellent storage.
The location has also been a huge plus for the family. “Okahu Bay is only about two minutes’ walk away and our kids swam there often.”
Small but mighty Karori Crescent is a tiny street with serious value – home to more than $250 million worth of real estate.
The coveted dress circle been a fixture in the media of late, thanks to some colossal sales and enormous amounts being spent on renovating homes and new builds. Its appeal undoubtedly lies in its location, sitting out over Okahu Bay and with unobstructed views north straight out to the channel.
The kitchen, family room, dining and lounge on the middle level flow out poolside. Photo / Supplied
“It’s so exclusive and anything that comes up is quickly snapped up,” says Ray White agent Richard Thode. Photo / Supplied
It also enjoys a limited edition, boutique vibe, with only a handful of waterfront properties.
Richard Thode, from Ray White, says that the street speaks for itself, which makes this property more than a dream home, but also a smart, future-proof investment.
“It’s so exclusive and anything that comes up is quickly snapped up. This property has huge potential as it’s also zoned urban,” says Richard.
“The views are spectacular and the house is a large family home, you could spend some money on it and wouldn’t be over capitalising. This is a one-off opportunity and I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to sell it.”
- 7 Karori Crescent in Orakei, Auckland, is on the market for sale by a set date
