News Editor
Location, size and spectacular views – this Hillcrest property has it all.
With the owners returning overseas, the five-bedroom family home is looking for new owners to enjoy it.
The home’s physical attributes are immediately obvious, with it being a perfect blend of character and modern, in a location that is one of Whakatāne’s most sought after.
What’s not immediately obvious is what a liveable home this is, all year round. In fact, the current owners will go so far as to say it is the best-designed house they have ever lived in – in New Zealand and their homeland of the United States.
The way the house is designed and its positioning on its hilltop section mean that it not only enjoys fine coastal views extending to Moutohorā and Whakaari, but is the perfect “energy capsule”.
In the morning, it enjoys the full expanse of the sun, warming the living areas in 30 minutes. Yet, these same areas remain beautifully cool on hot summer afternoons.
The two-storey home was built in the 1970s and although beautifully modernised, retains some stunning character features such as the parquet flooring in the entrance foyer, wrought iron stairwell and balcony balustrading, and extensive use of native timber, including the flooring through the upstairs living area.
On the ground floor, there is a large basement garage with elevated multipurpose room (office, rumpus room or storage). This floor is also home to three large
north-facing bedrooms, a kitchenette and bathroom facilities. The end bedroom has its own access and can easily be closed off to provide a self-contained area for family or guests.
Up the rimu stairwell, you find yourself on a landing where picture windows showcase the view. On one side is the open plan modern kitchen/living area, which is filled with light.
With high ceilings and massive sliders opening to the terracotta tiled balcony, this is a space designed for living. It flows through to a separate lounge or dining area – the choice is yours – that is also a sun trap.
There is a large laundry, family bathroom and two more bedrooms upstairs, including a super-sized master suite with Juliet balcony, walk-in wardrobe and fabulous tiled en suite that includes a wetfloor shower and bath
positioned to make the most of the garden and coastal views.
In total, the house has a floor area of 340 square metres. The section is 1108sqm and well tiered on the hillside to provide grassy spaces, areas for fruit and vegetable plantings, and multiple entertaining spaces including a sheltered evening spot, perfect for a firepit.
The views get more impressive the higher you go.
48 Hillcrest Road, Whakatāne | Listed by: HARCOURTS WHAKATĀNE| Ph 07 308 6359
Price: $1,299,000 | Open home: Sunday, 10.30am-11.15am
Agent: CALLUM RAZAK 021 454 753