THE BLACK BOOK | current to 15 December 2020

Current to 15 December 2020

THE

BLACK BOOK. Summit Reaching The

54 Mountain Road, Epsom

Bring Out The BBQ

Bring The Beach Home

Get your outdoor area Summer ready

Perfecting that beachy feel

Summer Festivals

Instagram pages you’ll love to like

R AY W H I T E N OW

Introducing Ray White Now, an insight to provide clarity to all our customers on what is happening in the market now.

If you are considering selling we explain how you can take advantage of the current conditions to achieve the best possible sales outcome.

The resilience of the New Zealand housing market has never been more evident than over the past three months. Most New Zealanders would be surprised at the level of activity and prices achieved, even though it has operated under restrictive operating conditions.

As Australasia’s largest real estate group, we are uniquely placed to provide our clients with the most relevant and timely information and data to assess current market activity and outlook. And as a family-owned and led business with 118 years of experience including operating through two world wars, the great depression and recessions, we know that we can deliver you the highest quality solutions in the current market.

C L I C K H E R E TO R E A D T H E L AT E S T I S S U E N OW

The Black Book.

Editor

Matty McLean

Design

Ryan Teece

Black Group Realty Ltd. Selling Principal

hello.

Franchise Owner

Our tree’s up.

Mark Bycroft 021 968 946 mark.bycroft@raywhite.com

It’s rather exciting for our household, as this will be the first holiday season spent in our new home on the North Shore.

Sales Manager

I’ve seen a lot of chatter this year - more so than usual - about when the optimal time is to get your Christmas Tree ready.

Some have said with all the craziness of 2020, it’s nice to get into the festive spirit earlier than usual. Others have said it’s just a reminder of how much they have to do before the end of the year!

It certainly is a mad dash to the finish line - we’re feeling that in our office, with some wonderful listings that I’m sure our vendors would love to see a ‘sold’ sticker up on before the holiday season gets underway. And we’re already preparing to bring some gorgeous properties to the market in 2021.

We’re still finding our auction campaigns are proving to be hugely successful, and there’s a few to get through before the end of the year.

So, if you’re wanting a shiny new house for Christmas, let us play Santa and help you out. Our second-to-last issue of The Black Book for 2020 is jam-packed with property listings from across our Ray White offices - Epsom, Takapuna and Matakana.

Plus you’ll simply love perusing our latest property feature - a grand, stunning six bedroom home with so much character and charm, right in the heart of Epsom. Just wait til you see the home’s backyard. It’s literally a forest. We know you’ll be seriously impressed.

There’s so much to check out as you flick through the digital pages, so enjoy!

Heather Walton and Mark Bycroft - Franchise owners Ray White Epsom, Ray White Takapuna and Ray White Matakana Black Group Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

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Heather Walton 021 432 167 heather.walton@raywhite.com

THE BLACK BOOK.

Jeff Tubman 0274 558 717 jeff.tubman@raywhite.com

Black Group Property Management.

General Manager

Mac Bycroft 021 223 6893 mac.bycroft@raywhite.com

Business Development Josh Smith 021 235 8802 josh.smith@raywhite.com

Ray White Epom Ray White Matakana & Omaha Ray White Takapuna Black Group Realty Ltd. Licensed (REAA 2008)

The Black Book is subject to copyright in its entirety and the contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without written permission.

Opinions expressed in The Black Book are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of Black Group Realty Ltd or Ray White Epsom. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited material.

M IS S I NG O UT?

Get every issue, direct to your inbox Issue One | 22 April 2020

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Liam Bratton talks pre-approval

Get ready to sell post lockdown

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Get Your Outdoor Area Summer Ready Follow Get A Beachy Feel At Home For Your Diary Property Feature Properties For Sale

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Welcome Note Contents Inspire

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Issue One | 22 April 2020

THE

BLACK BOOK. ou ie launch ’

‘Blackr T

60

Bold and Breathtaking 39 Spencer Street, Remuera

pages of properties at your fingertips

How high can you go?

Bite Size

Locked In, Not Out

Liam Bratton talks pre-approval

Get ready to sell post lockdown

Our first online auction success

For most, their Black Book is a tightly guarded secret. In contrast, we want ours to advise, inspire, or just give you something nice to flick through on a Sunday morning with your coffee.

C L IC K H E

RE TO

SUBSCRI

BE

THE BLACK BOOK.

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inspire.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

| 9

y d a e R r Summe

Get your outdoor area

As the evenings lengthen and the weather improves, many of us are thinking about hauling that barbecue out of storage in anticipation of summer nights at the grill.

This is a great opportunity to take a fresh look at your outdoor living spaces. Perhaps you’ve taken them for granted and they look as tired and bedraggled as you feel after the long, wet winter — but with a little effort and thought, these areas can be transformed into smart, functional, fun spaces.

1. Clear the decks

Your first task is to clear and clean the decks - and starting from a blank canvas is always easier. If you have a large deck, waterblast it and then scrub with the recommended cleaning agent that suits your decking surface. Smaller decks will require just a little elbow grease with a stiff broom or wire brush. Once you’ve cleaned and cleared, take a minute to think about your lifestyle and entertaining needs. The idea, after all, is to create a tranquil, peaceful haven that is easy to maintain — a place you will look forward to using.

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2. Accessorising

Thankfully, the next step is a lot more fun — accessorising. The right furniture, lighting, planters and features can refresh and reinvigorate even the most modest outdoor spaces. Investing the same amount of energy here as you give to your home’s interior design will see you reaping the rewards. Most families start and finish an interior remodel before moving to an exterior plan, often without considering the relationship between the two places — a big mistake. Far better to think of your deck or patio as an extension of your home — another room that just happens to exist outside — and not as something separate that only requires attention in the spring and summer months.

Accessorising requires you to think a little outside the square by using familiar objects in new ways. A mirror, for example, can make a stylish addition to your patio or deck by placing one in a dark corner, creating space and directing light to an uninviting spot. Even something as simple as putting tealights into jam jars or votive holders can add instant ambience to a neglected exterior.

Tying in outdoor accessories with your interior scheme is another good idea. This enables an easy flow between the two spaces. Pay special attention to furniture and colours. If your interior design shouts modernist minimalism, echo the effect outdoors with sleek outdoor loungers and tables, and clean lines and muted colours.

If boho chic is more to your taste, find some outdoor pieces to match — there’re a wide range of pieces available in speciality outdoor shops and on the internet.

Today many of our al fresco zones are small, so it’s a good idea to use what space you have efficiently by making it multifunctional.

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3. Furniture

No matter what type of furniture you choose — wood, wrought iron, wicker, aluminium — think first about how you entertain, and the overall look you wish your deck to have. Remember, shop for value over price.

Flimsy materials, and furniture which require complicated assembly are not worth the trouble and frustration. Where possible, thoroughly test and inspect the furniture before buying — sit on benches, lie back on the chaise lounge, and pull chairs up to their table to make sure you’ll be comfortable. While mix and matching styles can be effective, aesthetically it is a fine line to tread.

4. Flowers and features

On a grander scale, if size permits you may wish to maximise the use of your deck by building in a hot tub or by using trees to help decorate the area. Make use of screens, trellises or planters to create cosy areas to ensure privacy and shelter from prevailing winds. Another tip is to insert patterned glass blocks into a trellis to give the area pattern and light. Raised flower beds filled with plants can provide extra seating as well as adding fragrance and colour. If you have an aspect or view you want to block, grow flowering vines up trellises or hang potted plants in hanging baskets in strategic positions. Consider buying one large item, say a bird bath, sculpture or interesting planter, to give your patio or deck a central focus around which you can plan the rest. And remember a fountain or small pool not only becomes a feature of the area, but has a freshening and cooling effect on summer evenings.

Putting in the extra effort will add to your home’s resale value as well as creating a safe environment where your family and friends can relax and make the most out of all that summer and the outdoors offer. n

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follow.

Instagram accounts you’ll love to like.

Summer Festivals.

@rhythmandalps

@waterbournenz

@flamingopier

The little sister to the bigger Rhythm and Vines New Year’s Eve party, Rhythm and Alps has a disticntly different vibe.

Perhaps it’s the scenery, set amongst the impressive mountain ranges of the Cardrona Valley. Perhaps it’s the crowd - slightly older, slightly more relaxed. Or perhaps it’s the fact that for a few extra bucks, you can buy yourself tickets to the VIP tent, where comfy couches and beanbags await you. Now that’s how you do a music festival.

For the past four years, the Waterbourne festival has hit Wellington’s Eastbourne shores - but now, it’s headed north. In 2021, you’ll find the biggest watersports and beach festival in Takapuna. As well as watching competitive paddle boarding and windfoiling, you can take in the amazing music lineup - four different events following four distinct lineups, including an all-women evening featuring the likes of Tami Neilson and Hollie Smith. This is going to be good.

There’s something about simply being on Waiheke Island that’s good for the soul. So add in beautiful wine, delicious food trucks, great music, and a fun, immersive experience through the trees at Rangihoua Estate, and you have yourself a winner. Set across Waitangi Weekend, there truly is something for everyone with this lineup. And you can make a real weekend of it - book yourself into an Air B&B, take your togs, and simply relax. You’ll love it!

Do you follow an Instagram account that we should be following? Let us know.

Email marketing.epsom@raywhite.com with your suggestions.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

We’ve got just the right team for the job.

Mac Bycroft 021 223 6893 mac.bycroft@raywhite.com

rwepsom.co.nz | rwtakapuna.co.nz

Josh Smith 021 235 8802 josh.smith@raywhite.com

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THE BLACK BOOK.

sun, sand, sea and style:

P E R F E C T I N G T H AT B E A C H Y F E E L Almost all of us like to be beside the seaside, so it’s no surprise that the coastal style is a perennial favourite in the world of home decor.

It’s natural to feel a bit sentimental about places we associate with happiness, and the beach plays a big part in the lives of Kiwis. We love it for its natural hues and interesting textures.

Bringing those aspects into home decor is easy working with nautical themes and aged wood and shells, candles and candle holders, and colours such as blue in all its many variations, teamed with white, beige and other sandy organic shades.

Coastal decor isn’t a slick sort of style, because the rugged shapes of nature are a large part of its charm.

Weathered furniture, with a touch of shabby-chic in the paint or oiled finish, and even faded upholstery can enhance a beach-inspired bach.

Textured floorings made from jute and sisal certainly fit the theme, and wood beams on the ceiling and a stone fireplace in the central living space will enhance it.

A ceiling fan provides a gentle breeze on the hottest of summer days, and window dressings such as shutters, white wooden venetians or matchstick blinds are all appropriate.

While less is more in a coastal design theme, there are loads of ways to dress it up a little if the bare, minimalist style isn’t you.

Old paintings of ships and seascapes look right at home, as well as memorabilia like lifebuoys, bottles wrapped in rope net, oars, and of course glass jars and baskets filled with shells. Wicker chairs look wonderful, even if they’ve seen better days.

Coastal style comes naturally to Italian-born Federica (Fede) Contardi, national visual merchandiser at citta.com.

Fede trained as an interior and product designer in Rome before moving to New Zealand. “I have noticed that coastal style never goes out of fashion,” she says.

“While less is more in a coastal design theme, there are loads of ways to dress it up a little if the bare, minimalist style isn’t you.”

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Clear glass vases and bowls, used to display objects are also popular.

“A coastal palette is comfortable and easy, just like your favourite pair of faded jeans.”

“Sometimes I wonder if it’s because we are surrounded by technology all day and we need to slip back into a quiet, peaceful lifestyle when we get home in the city or arrive at our beach house.”

Fede says Citta almost always has coastal-style items in seasonal collections. “Many of our customers find themselves drawn towards those natural and neutral colours and textures.

“Lanterns are always good sellers for us, and anything else that has a nautical feel about it.”

Karen Warman at Resene agrees that New Zealanders seem to be drawn to shades of the sea.

“Coastal colours are always a sure way to bring a sense of relaxation and calmness into your home,” she says.

“Think weathered and washed blues, whitewashed walls and surfaces, the aged look of driftwood and the subtle off-white of sea foam that has blown on to the beach.

“Hues like Resene duck egg blue, Resene sea fog and Resene colorwood whitewash all capture the coastal look, especially combined with natural materials such as timber.

“A coastal palette is comfortable and easy, just like your favourite pair of faded jeans.”

She suggests finishing trims in a coastal scheme using crisp white colours, such as Resene sea fog or Resene bianca for contrast.

“In this situation I would avoid using gloss finishes which tend to be jarring and opt instead for low-sheen or flat finishes for walls because they bring out the subtle beauty of the weathered hues and reinforce the sense of serenity.” n

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THE BLACK BOOK.

for your diary.

s n o i uct

A

02

3.00pm, Wed 2 December - In Rooms (Takapuna)

02

3.00pm, Wed 2 December - In Rooms (Takapuna)

02

3.00pm, Wed 2 December - In Rooms (Takapuna)

DEC

92 Stanmore Bay Road Stanmore Bay

02

6.00pm, Wed 2 December - On Site

DEC

23 Grace Street Orakei

04

12.00pm, Fri 4 December - On Site

DEC

118a St Heliers Bay Road St Heliers

04

2.00pm, Fri 4 December - In-Rooms (Broadway)

DEC

G11/1 Kimiora Street Three Kings

04

DEC

3.00pm, Fri 4 December - In-Rooms (Broadway) 118A Melrose Road Mount Roskill

06

4.00pm, Sun 6 December - On Site

DEC

22 Totaravale Road Totara Vale

09

12.00pm, Wed 9 December - In-Rooms (Broadway)

DEC

30 London Street St Marys Bay

09

5.00pm, Wed 9 December - On Site

DEC

1 Peek Street Ellerslie

09

6.30pm, Wed 9 December - In-Rooms (Broadway)

DEC

11 Stamford Park Road Mt Roskill

09

7.00pm, Wed 9 December - In-Rooms (Broadway)

DEC

47 State Avenue Onehunga

10

1.00pm, Thu 10 December - In-Rooms (Broadway)

DEC

20 Coronation Street Epsom

10

6.00pm, Thu 10 December - In Rooms (Takapuna)

DEC

26 Topliss Drive Torbay

10

6.30pm, Thu 10 December - In Rooms (Takapuna)

15

6.30pm, Tue 15 December - On Site 54 Rukutai Street, Orakei

DEC

DEC

DEC

DEC

2/52 Dominion Street Takapuna 130 Canongate Street Birkdale

465 East Coast Road Murrays Bay

*Auctions correct at time of publishing. Auctions can be sold prior.

Please check the property details online or contact the agent to confirm auction details are correct.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

“Leaving my previous office wasn’t an easy decision. But when I started at Black Group - everything fell into place.

It’s where I’m meant to be!”

- Andrew Milne Ray White Epsom

Black Group has a proven track record of giving salespeople the right tools to achieve the best from their business. Health, wealth, work-life balance and the occasional award?

Heather Walton Selling Principal 021 432 167

Mark Bycroft Franchise Owner 021 968 946

Jeff Tubman Sales Manager 0274 958 717

Ray White Epsom 349a Manukau Road, Epsom 09 638 8640 | epsom.nz@raywhite.com www.rwepsom.co.nz Ray White Takapuna 87 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 488 9191 | takapuna.nz@raywhite.com www.rwtakapuna.co.nz Black Group Realty Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

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THE BLACK BOOK.

REACHING THE

. t i m m u S

On Epsom’s Mountain Road, we’ve found the pinnacle - a home that carries with it grandeur, charm, and more than its fair share of stories. And now, it also houses infinite possibilities for a new buyer. We caught up with agent Heather Walton, who took us through the house at number 54.

Excitement is one of those funny senses that catches on rather quickly.

The thrill of an idea, or the wave of pure joy sparks in someone, and it doesn’t take long for it to permeate through to those close by.

Which is how we ended up with a massive grin on our faces the moment we walked through the door of 54 Mountain Road - the excitement in real estate agent Heather Walton was palpable.

‘Is it that obvious?’ she laughs as she greets us.

It is, we tell her.

‘Well, you can see why, can’t you?’ she asks.

That we can.

This incredibly impressive 418m2 approx. double brick home accommodates three separate levels, and sits on around 1967m2 of sought-after Epsom land.

It truly is a sight to behold.

‘In our job,’ explains Heather Walton, ‘we get to see so many older homes that have been renewed and refreshed over time. But this feels very original.’

Built in the early 1900s, so much of what you still see today is as the original designer intended it. It gives the home a real sense of history, but also provides a modern audience with an opportunity.

“It feels like someone could make it so magnificent - simple things like painting out the timber, and making it your own. Whereas a lot of these older homes have already had that done by someone else.’

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Perfectly comfortable as is, there is still scope to develop and modernise the property further, and stamp your mark on a house with real classic beauty.

‘This would’ve been an incredibly expensive property in its day,’ says Heather, who’s listed the property alongside colleague Ryan Teece through Ray White Epsom.

‘You can tell this place was something very, very special when it was built - and it still is!’

That begins the minute you pull through the gate.

You can tell this place was something very, very special when it was built and it still is!

‘It’s really grand, and is rather imposing even on this huge block of land,’ Heather marvels.

‘It’s got the horseshoe driveway, so at some point carriages would’ve turned around in there.’

Up the entrance steps and through the solid front door, you’re immediately amazed by the character of this massive six bedroom home.

You’ll notice right away details like the impressive stud height, offering grand, ornate ceilings, or the stunning staircase leading up to the second floor.

‘The grandeur just blows me away. The usage of all the timber panelling that was of that age. You can really embrace that panelling, or you can paint it out - but either way this house you can absolutely make your own.’

The ground floor is where you’ll spend hours either relaxing and unwinding by yourself, or joyously entertaining friends and family.

The large space offers separate areas for your kitchen and dining, as well as both formal and family lounge spaces. The beauty of the design means they flow perfectly between one another, while still maintaining privacy and separation.

‘The originality of the property gives it some amazing features inside, like that beautiful wrap-around country-style kitchen,’ Heather says.

‘It even comes with a classic serving hatch between the kitchen and dining like so many of those old properties did. So you can continue to enjoy the quirks of the property, or you could renovate it to a modern style and open-plan the whole thing.

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The lower level would be the most incredible media room.

Or, if someone renovated, the lower level could almost be self-contained.

On that same main level, you’ll also find a large double bedroom, with a separate laundry and shower room.

Plus the conservatory offers more of that flexibility in which to enhance what’s already there.

‘We thought you could turn that sun room into a massive wrap-around deck,’ muses Heather, who laughs when explaining both she and her colleague Ryan love discussing all the renovation possibilities with groups that come through the viewings.

‘The spaces are all there - it just needs some dedicated TLC.’ Up that grand staircase we mentioned earlier, you’ll discover the main bedrooms - four in total - as well as a large family bathroom and an office space.

‘Currently there is just the one bathroom that services that top level,’ Heather explains.

But, again, there’s plenty of options to re-design the space.

‘That master bedroom certainly has the potential for a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite, which we’ve seen recently in so many renovated villas. The opportunity exists!’

There’s also a third, lower level - one that’s still above ground, given the gradient of the site. Currently it houses a double bedroom, bathroom and a games room as well.

‘The lower level would be the most incredible media room. Or, if someone renovated, the lower level could almost be self-contained.’

It’s an option a number of families are leaning towards these days, given changing family dynamics and increasing house prices.

‘So this way you can have grandparents living there, or au pairs living there,’ Heather explains.

‘So that would be on a totally different level all on its own, because there’s a perfect number of bedrooms and bathrooms on the top two floors to live. That lower level is such a massive bonus.’

Outside, though, this house really comes alive.

‘It’s situated on the Epsom lava rock forest, which is just spectacular. There’s this huge forest belt that runs right through that area, and it’s essentially part of your backyard at this property.’

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The forest is a stunning feature that provides peace and tranquility - a rarity so close to the bustling city.

‘The current owners made plans for a rather elaborate development joining the property to the forest - with a bridge across to a treehouse - and really just incorporated the forest into the dwelling. So it was a creative, amazing extension of the existing property. But that never eventuated, so there’s now the opportunity for the next person to do that.’

It’s just another layer to this already exciting property - that chance to really enhance what is already a phenomenal home.

Plus the house sits in that much sought-after Grammar Zone. But with the school rolls continuing to climb, and talk of boundary changes imminent, this is one property you know you’ll be safe buying.

‘It won’t matter if those boundaries get shifted,’ explains Heather.

‘Your Grammar Zones are assured, because you’re right opposite the gate to the school!’

There’s so much to love with 54 Mountain Road, and even more to get excited by.

‘This is perfect for someone with a good eye,’ Heather says.

‘Someone who’s clever, who can really visualise spaces. There’s so much you can do.’

The possibilities, as they say, are endless. Are you game?

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This is perfect for someone with a good eye. Someone who’s clever, who can really visualise spaces. There’s so much you can do.

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We’ve got just the right team for the job.

Mac Bycroft 021 223 6893 mac.bycroft@raywhite.com

rwepsom.co.nz | rwtakapuna.co.nz

Josh Smith 021 235 8802 josh.smith@raywhite.com

FROM THE CITY TO THE COAST Ray White Epsom

Ray White Matakana & Omaha

Ray White Takapuna

Level 1/ 416 Broadway, Epsom 09 638 8640 epsom.nz@raywhite.com

44 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana 09 283 3656 matakanaomaha.nz@raywhite.com

87 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 488 9191 takapuna.nz@raywhite.com