Twin mansions for sale on Takapuna beachfront
Sunday, 28 January 2024
It's a property opportunity rarely seen, but two grand mansions, side-by-side, are for sale on Auckland’s Takapuna beach’s frontline at 25 and 25A Park Avenue.
They look like something straight off The Bachelor, and are the kind of home the rest of us walk past from the sand and contemplate investing in after a Lotto win.
However, these homes are owned by one lucky vendor and although they have some cute similarities, they couldn’t be more different.
Both were built “around 20 years ago”, each has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, they both have a stunning pool, and of course, they share the same epic views over golden sands to Rangitoto.
The owner, Guy Haddleton, 68, an investor and technology entrepreneur, was the only who built 25A Park Ave, and can attest to its loveliness:
“It's just beautiful. It's a house built in the traditional style, no expense spared, extremely warm, beautiful architecture in the traditional sense. It’s just a crazy, beautiful house.”
But lovely as they are, one’s got to wonder - is Takapuna’s front-line beachscape about to change?
Might a developer come and replace these homes with something altogether different?
Listing agent Aaron Reid of Sotheby’s New Zealand Realty says that, although opportunities like this are rare, it’s possible but unlikely that someone will buy and bulldoze the villas.
“They are both such beautiful houses that I guess you'd have to be really keen to want to do that,” says Reid.
“It’s probably the least likely, but there may be someone who wants to be right on the beach and to create their own legacy property.”
Interest in the homes has reportedly been strong already, particularly from those who already live nearby, despite the elite price bracket.
Takapuna is obviously “the most desirable part of the North Shore” says Reid.
As at June 2021, 25 Park Ave, the modern build, had a CV of $12,150,000 and 25A Park Ave, a CV of $11,350,000.
Several years on, one can only imagine what these homes may fetch.
Takapuna is a known to be well-heeled suburb, regularly featuring in round ups of where some of the most expensive homes around Auckland are sold.
It makes sense why, when you for a stroll and enjoy those direct and picturesque views of Rangitoto across the bay, or around Lake Pupuke.
Recently, a refreshed shopping and dining precinct in Takapuna’s village centre is helping the area enjoy a revival.
Takapuna attracts a buzzing crowd every weekend for the farmer’s market across from the mall, and some cult classics have opened in the area, such as Duck Island and Little & Friday.
Elsewhere, restaurants that have been in residence for a substantial time, such as Botticelli’s, which boasts 30 years in the suburb, offer plenty of reliable options for heading out.
According to realestate.co.nz, the average house price in Takapuna is $1.369 million, but these homes are far beyond your average property, both in position and sheer size.
Elegance, convenience and proximity to the beach quickly add up.
“I sold a property last year which is on the beach [in Takapuna], which was essentially an empty section, and the benchmark for that is about $10 million,” says Reid.
“Then once you factor in the building costs, well …you do the math.
“Most people, if they get the chance, would love to be on the beach.”
Except for maybe Haddleton, who is swapping Takapuna for the subtropical north of the island.
“My centre of gravity has moved up north,” he says. “I'm in retirement now and I just want to spend my time on my farm.”
He’s not bothered whether the next owner or owners may choose to start over with a clean slate, or not.
“Everybody's got their own unique tastes,” says Haddleton. “What might suit me won't suit others.”
What remains to be seen is whether once more, the homes will go to the same buyer, or whether their next owners will be individuals.
25 Park Ave, a 380m² home on a 977m² section, was designed by Hulena Architects, built in 2005, and is the epitome of modern architecture.
Stand-out features include a double-height, open plan living space with a seamless flow out to the pool area, an “entertainer’s kitchen” with scullery, and all the bedrooms located on the upper level.
The other mansion, 25A Park Ave, where the Haddleton currently resides, was designed by architect Greg Noble in the arts and crafts style, and built in 2004.
At 641m² on a 960m² section, it’s been built in real Beverly Hills proportions and features large picture windows, columns, and is decorated in jewel tones, with multiple glass chandeliers. Bedrooms in this home are split over various levels.
The masonry staircase alone in this villa boasts a level of glamour that’s not often seen on New Zealand shores.
But as to which home is more appealing, Reid can’t say.
“It depends on the layout that’s required for the buyer,” he says.