38C Paora Street, Orakei, Orakei

Set peacefully up off the road, on the brow of the ridge, is this wonderful contemporary masonry townhouse. One of three it is perfectly positioned to make full use of the all-day sun and views; from Okahu Bay, across the harbour to North Head and then on up the Gulf. This is the most interesting area of water because all shipping arriving in Auckland passes through it. So too do pleasure craft and yachts, and in the not-too-distant future, America’s Cup hopefuls. You have a grandstand view of it all.

Spread over three levels the main living areas are on the middle floor. From the front hall you get a feeling of the view and then it just ‘comes alive’ as you walk through to the sitting area, dining, kitchen and balcony beyond. All areas on this level share the view.

Above is a master bedroom suite of large scale proportions with the same view as the living and big enough to also accommodate another sitting area.

The ground floor has a further two bedrooms and bathroom plus a separate sitting or media area. Sliding doors take you to the courtyard area which is beautifully planted and private.

Double garaging, separate laundry, guest’s bathroom plus loads of storage complete the service areas. But what makes this home so special is the sheer peace and tranquillity that the combination of views, surrounding gardens, courtyards and separate living spaces provide.

Auckland the ‘City of Sails’ at its best.