What began as a bare plot of land and a dream has come to fruition almost 30 years later. Venture down the driveway at 260 Wairere Road in Waitakere, Waitakere City, and you’ll be greeted by a sprawling architecturally-designed home and arguably one of the most incredible views in the Waitakere Ranges.
The 360sqm, six-bedroom, three-bathroom property is gently enveloped by almost eight acres of native bush, while the song of native birds creates the backing track of the off-the-grid sanctuary.
260 Wairere Road has a 2021 RV of $1.725 million and is for sale by a set date ending November 9. According to OneRoof data, the property last changed hands in 1995 for $157,000.
“We wanted a home that would blend in seamlessly with the nature that surrounds it,” says owner Lisa.
Start your property search
“Everything about the house needed to incorporate the views. When you stand on the deck the world drops away below you. On a clear day you can see all the way to Rangitoto; on an exceptionally good day you can even see the Coromandel.”
Inside, high ceilings, dramatic angles, enormous windows, and stackers link the living spaces with the sun-drenched 150sqm deck outside. Glass balustrades dissolve the distinction between home and view, so it feels like the home is floating above the canopy.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t been an easy building journey for owner Lisa.
The 360sqm, six-bedroom, three-bathroom home has a double garage and multiple living spaces. Photo / Supplied
“My former husband and I bought the land in 1995 and designed and built the original home with the help of a Muriwai architect,” she says.
“After our marriage abruptly ended, I was able to purchase the property with the help of a family member and have lived here with my three daughters – they’ve never known another home.
“Over the last 10 months I’ve fully renovated the property including knocking out four walls to open up the living space and maximise the views outside, and now it looks like it should have looked all along.”
Multiple living spaces and zones within the home make family living easy.
“When the kids were little, we used the upstairs lounge as a toy room,” Lisa says.
“The best thing about that was that I never had to tidy it up! The kids could leave their puzzles or Lego creations out at the end of the day and come back to them in the morning, and all I had to do was shut the door to hide the mess.”
The current homeowner says that on an exceptionally good day, you can see the Coromandel from the deck. Photo / Supplied
High ceilings, dramatic angles, enormous windows, and stackers link the living spaces with the sun-drenched 150sqm deck outside. Photo / Supplied
Lisa says the Waitakere village community is the perfect blend of rural and convenience.
“The people here are so supportive, and everyone pitches in if people need help. The local school is full primary and the school bus stops at the top of the driveway.
“This part of the world has a wonderful small community feel about it, yet we’re only 15 minutes from Westgate and off-peak 30 minutes from the centre of Auckland City.”
Bayleys agent Chris Head, who is marketing the property, says 260 Wairere Road is a one-off.
“Lisa has poured her heart and soul into this home,” he says.
“With so much space, privacy, off-the-grid power and water, and views to the end of the world, it’s a sanctuary away from the rest of Auckland. And even though it’s been recently renovated, there are plenty of ways the new owner can put their mark on it.”
It’s bittersweet knowing, now that the renovations have been completed, it’s time for Lisa to move on.
“I’m excited to have finally seen this home through from beginning to end, and it puts a smile on my face when I think about another family coming along to create their own memories here,” she says.
