THE BLACK BOOK | current to 04 May 2021

Current to 04 May 2021

THE

BLACK BOOK.

A pocket OF paradise KUMEU CENTRAL

Weiti Bay

Getting it White

Wow Factor

An exclusive coastal community

The versatile colour for every room

Selling quickly in Point Wells

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

contents.

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Black Group Realty Ltd. Contents

Selling Principal

Inspire

Franchise Owner

Wow Factor: 248 Point Wells Rd

Group General Manager

Versatility Wrapped In White

Sales Manager

Weiti Bay: An Exclusive Coastal Community

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

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

Jacki Lane 027 556 7042 jacki.lane@raywhite.com

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

Black Group Property Management.

General Manager

10 and 10 in 10 with Anna Bloomfield

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

Business Development

A Pocket of Paradise: Kumeu Central

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

Properties For Sale

Ray White Epsom 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.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

M IS S I NG O UT?

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

THE

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Bold and Breathtaking 39 Spencer Street, Remuera

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How high can you go?

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Liam Bratton talks pre-approval

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inspire.

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wow

FACTOR Buyers have already missed the incredible chance to purchase a glorious bespoke-designed property that sold days after hitting the market. The previous owners of 248 Point Wells Road in Point Wells say good-bye to their dream home.

The wonderful 322sqm approx. property is immaculately finished with the highest quality fixtures and fittings, with the single-level residence set on luscious 5,070sqm approx. landscaped land.

The property, lovingly built by Golf Warehouse CEO Rhys Bishop and his wife Tracey, oozes a modern flare with a dash of Scandinavian wonder.

“After speaking with one of our famous customers, and having been to some of their amazing houses, we said we were looking to build but we had no idea how to go about choosing the ideal architect for what we wanted,” Mr Bishop said.

“We designed the entire property ourselves - room size and everything - which allowed us to get all of the building blocks in place on paper first. A draughtsman that used to work for architect Simon Carnachan then submitted the plans to the council.

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“We’d never owned a triangle roof and that’s something we wanted, but we also wanted it to look grand on a single-level property. In the end, we took inspiration from a house in Norway, an image I still have as my phone screensaver.

“We love the rustic Scandinavian look, but wanted our own modern twist, too. A perfect example of this is a 140-year-old recycled beam we had delivered, split into two, and then had LED lights installed.

“You wouldn’t believe we were only 45 minutes away from Auckland because there is no light pollution at all and the stargazing at night is just incredible.

“Some of my best memories of this wonderful home, though, is sitting in the lounge which looks over the pool and looking down and seeing the smiles on the faces of my happy family.

“Unfortunately, it’s time for a new chapter in our lives, and we plan on heading back to Auckland for the city lifestyle and the ability to go boating regularly.”

“With its own waterfront access, this is the perfect property for the water sport loving family.” said Ray White Matakana and Omaha Principal and Salesperson Heather Walton.

“Some of my best memories of this wonderful home, though, is sitting in the lounge which looks over the pool and looking down and seeing the smiles on the faces of my happy family.“ THE BLACK BOOK.

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“Set down a private lane, the residence rubs shoulders with significant waterfront homes in an exclusive enclave and with the amazing landscape starting to flourish, the best is still yet to come as the grounds continue to mature.

“The three very spacious bedrooms all have fully tiled en-suites - plus a powder room to die for. For those who love a wood-burning fireplace, this home also well-and-truly ticks that box.

“The property enjoys all-day sun and flows to the landscaped grounds, through to the uber cool pool area, with another outdoor fireplace, pizza oven, and BBQ to finish this entertaining oasis.

“A loft above the garage makes a great second lounge/ kids rumpus room and building consent is held for a standalone guest suite with a kitchenette.

“If built, this would be a fourth bedroom for guests or family. With the new motorway getting closer to completion, getting here within an hour from Auckland will be even easier.

“Point Wells is a recently new subdivision, and this is one of the first to be sold in this area with water access. We expect the interest in Point Wells to really take off so now is the time to buy if you can get your hands on one.

“On a personal note, our new office in this area is going great guns, and Ray White has warmly been welcomed by the locals – I would like to thank them for that.” n

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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

Versatility Wrapped In

WHITE

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THE BLACK BOOK.

Whether your taste aligns with minimalism, rustic, coastal or country cottage, white will always play a role in your desired look. Evoking freshness and elegance, whites are versatile, working with almost any other hue.

It’s a colour that always feels at calming, relaxing and never goes out of fashion. No wonder whites are such a popular choice among homeowners; the beautiful thing about whites is that there will be a white for you with the multitude of types available.

White can be just as hard, though, if not harder to choose, than a bold colour. The impact of the wrong white can be big, so it’s worth the effort finding one that doesn’t make your home feel sterile or lack in personality.

Resene colour consultant Jackie Nicholls celebrates white as a popular trend that is clean and fresh. “Just add your accessories - it sounds simple doesn’t it? However, so many people fall into the trap of using what seems modern and current, only to find it looks cold and unfriendly in their own place."

"It’s worth having a careful look at the various undertones in the huge range of white shades available,” she says. “They're hard to spot at a glance, but they become obvious when you sit them next to each other. Resene have colour specialists and staff that can help you with this."

The first step is to look at where you want to paint your white. What will it sit beside?

White’s nuances are subtle, it is a colour that can change dramatically with the light and the colours surrounding it, be it in furniture, flooring or paint on existing walls. There are elements of colour in your furniture, décor and lighting that can impact the way your swatches appear. A golden wooden floor will warm up a cool white wall with its warm hue during the day. However, at night, the artificial light that comes from the ceiling will make it appear quite different.

“Don’t place your swatches side by side, Jackie says, as they can fight with each other and you won’t like any of them.”

"A kitchen is a good place to start when selecting a white," says Jackie, "once you’ve chosen your fittings and surfaces and cabinetry.

What undertones exist in these surfaces? Is there greenery outside? What's reflecting into the room? These can all impact the colour of a white room."

The lighter the white the more changeable it is and the more effected it is by these factors especially light, Jackie adds. “If you painted a deep, blue green it won’t change much with the time of day. There is more depth in it, it holds its own.”

Other points to remember, she says, with white is that everyone sees colour differently. “We all have emotional associations with colour. Light has a massive difference, changing at different times of the day - even the corners of a room can differ. Context – what it is sitting next to and properties – whether it will cover a large or small area - also matters."

It's still important to try and find a white that makes your heart sing. Look at Resene colour swatches and select what you’re attracted to straight away. Paint your Resene testpot onto a large piece of cardboard (A2 size is ideal) leaving an unpainted border around the edge. Once dry, move your samples around your home and analyse how the natural light and surroundings effect the colour.

“Don’t place your swatches side by side, Jackie says, as they can fight with each other and you won’t like any of them.” For the same reason don’t paint your test colour directly onto the wall as the existing colour will affect the new colour. Place them in isolation, hold them next to something staying in the room such as a trim, door frame, artwork or curtain. Carry it around and try it in different aspects.”

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"Don’t be afraid to have more than one shade in your home, colder rooms will benefit from warmer shades like Resene Cararra or Resene Rice Cake, while a large, sunny space can look good in Resene Half Sea Fog or Resene Quarter White Pointer."

"A clever way to add interest with white is to consider painting the doors throughout in a soft shade such as Resene Eighth Stonehenge. To give the whole scheme an edge, add in a dark moody feature wall that could be repeated in a bathroom or powder room perhaps, like Resene Half Fuscous Grey from the Karen Walker Paints collection."

The paint finish can also make a difference, Jackie says. "Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen is normally used on walls, but you could consider Resene SpaceCote Flat for a sophisticated finish, especially in a media room or around a fireplace. Resene Enamacyl is a full-gloss option for doors and trims, providing a sharp contrast."

Pattern and texture bring interest to a white interior. In a kitchen, blend a marble benchtop and wood stained flooring in Resene Colorwood.

In a home with a country cottage feel, vertical tongue-and-groove panelling on the wall can look beautiful with a creamy chalky white for a warm heritage feel.

If you’d like to bring in some subtle colour, there are ways without it popping too much and dominating your white scheme. In an all-white kitchen for instance, in a countertop cabinet that houses your breakfast items, paint the background wall of your cabinet in a gentle hue such as the smoky grey-green of Resene Ash. Coordinate with cabinetry painted in Resene Half Thorndon Cream or Resene Quarter Joanna. Or in an all-white kitchen, bring in a sophisticated grey navy or dark olive green on the cabinet doors or on your kitchen-island panels.

“To give the whole scheme an edge, add in a dark moody feature wall that could be repeated in a bathroom or powder room perhaps,.”

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Décor has its place in softening a white scheme and creating depth. By bringing in luscious textiles, such as sheepskin or thick-pile rugs with fringing or tassels, soft throws to snuggle up against and velvet cushions, you’ll create an inviting setting. Flowing curtains will add comfort to your fresh, clean aesthetic too.

When bringing in colour, go slowly and gently.

Bring in soft colours that won’t appear too harsh on the eye. Try sunset hues – pinks, corals and taupes for a warming effect, such as Resene Soothe and Resene Soulful. For a more Mediterranean feel go for turquoise, greens and coastal blues, such as Resene Breathless and Resene St Kilda.

Beautiful lighting is key to adding another dimension. Table and pendant lights in textured shades or a beachy look or glass, brass shades for a sophisticated feel will add another layer of interest especially if the bulbs reflect a soft, warm glow.

Don’t forget your flooring – a pale Scandistyle option is ideal in a white setting if you’re laying down new flooring. If you’re repurposing existing floorboards, why not paint the floors white or use Resene Colorwood Whitewash for a soft wash of white while still allowing the timber grain to show through? A light-coloured carpet will bring a sense of luxury to a white interior too, adding softness and comfort. n

It’s really quite special and it’s hard to believe it’s this close to Auckland.

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Weiti Bay

AN EXCLUSIVE COASTAL COMMUNITY The final release of sections at the premium end of Weiti Bay on Auckland’s North Shore are being brought to the market.

The 25 sections are part of an exclusive, gated, coastal community replete with beach, wetlands, bush and a marine reserve.

Weiti Bay is just north of the recently developed retail hub at Long Bay Village and not far from Silverdale.

“It’s a very ecological area,” says Richard Bull, from Team Hawkins Projects of Ray White Epsom.

“It’s got a marine reserve plus the coastal walkways through the whole Okura bush. The people that have moved there so far have got quite involved in the ecological nature of the place.

“They’re planting up a whole lot of fruit tree areas, looking at beehives, there’s a couple of people who are heavily involved in keeping vermin under control to protect the native birdlife and so on, so people have really taken it on as a lifestyle.

“It’s really quite special and it’s hard to believe it’s this close to Auckland. The seafront has been gated off and there’s only so much coastal land there. Because of the tide and all the regeneration planting they’ve put in for natives the area is a living thing that’s organically changing over time.”

Bull says there are not many coastal locations left in Auckland like this one where people can build on large sections and get a lifestyle without having the maintenance of an actual lifestyle block.

And, he says, buyers will live in a very exclusive community.

“One of the homes that’s being built at the moment they’re spending, rumour has it, $9m on the build, but it’s not all at that level.”

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The sections start from $995,000 and range to $1.75m-plus, and Bull says more than 20 high-end homes are already underway or completed with values upwards of $3.5m.

On offer are easy building options and large building platforms and sites with 95 per cent having sea views.

The location, which has established high decile schools around, is an easy commute to Auckland central with further improvements coming. A new dedicated motorway off-ramp is being built only five minutes from the entrance gate, and the much talked about Penlink, linking State Highway 1 over the Weiti River and the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, has been approved with construction due to start late this year.

There are picturesque streetscapes and elegant,

architecturally-designed homes nestled within 230 acres of environmentally-friendly surroundings with privacy and 24-hour video surveillance.

“The waterfront site has been transformed into a coastal lifestyle destination made up of generous freehold house sites ranging in size from 1500 to 2000 square metres,” says Bull.

“With only 67 acres (27 hectares) dedicated to house sites, 163 acres (66 hectares) within Weiti Bay remains green open space, heavily landscaped with native planting to allow privacy and provide a beautifully landscaped environment for residents to enjoy at their leisure.”

While houses must adhere to a strict architecture code, there is also significant freedom for owners to build the house of their dreams, he says. n

The waterfront site has been transformed into a coastal lifestyle destination.

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ten and ten, in ten with Anna Bloomfield

Getting an agent to sit still can be difficult, so we bribe them with coffee to spend 10 minutes with us. This week we pulled Anna Bloomfield from Ray White Epsom aside to ask her ten personal, and ten professional questions.

Personal

What’s your coffee order?

Flat white.

What’s your go-to ice cream flavour?

Passionfruit ice cream or gelato all the way!

Where do you think New Zealand’s bestkept secret is?

Not really a secret but the beaches - I think they would be the best in the world.

If you were to win a reality TV show, which one would you have the best shot at winning?

Either survivor - I’m good a strategy and rather handy. Or some Home renovation show, I’m great with a new layout, design and living in a space.

How do you start each morning?

Plunger coffee with the news and the five minute journal - it’s a gratitude journal which takes no longer than five minutes in the morning and at night and it clears your mind.

Give us a TV show recommendation to binge watch on a rainy day?

Any house programs on Netflix currently obsessed with Tiny Homes and Interior Design Masters.

It’s date night - where are you making a reservation for dinner?

Le Vietnamese kitchen, Ponsonby - it’s such a great atmosphere and the food is amazing!

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What was the last book you read?

For the love of men, a book about masculinity - super interesting and really makes you think.

What is your greatest fear?

Glass lifts. Just why?

Where in the world do you wish you could head to for a holiday?

I love Croatia, the islands are stunning it’s always sunny and the people are so friendly.

"I love building relationships and I’ll go the extra mile to help because I enjoy it."

Professional

What was your first job?

Working in a pub as a waitress in Oxfordshire - such fun.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A truck driver, because I had this ride on wooden truck, I was obsessed.

Tell us the thing you love the most about working in real estate?

Working with many different people, trying to find them home which they will love and enjoy, It’s the best feeling.

Give us some advice to pass on to someone thinking about joining the industry?

Two key skills patience and the tenaciousness to keep going.

What motivates you?

The pride of a job well done, I’m a bit of perfectionist with a few laughs along the way (I love a good pun).

Share with us your property must-have?

A huge dining room and a sunny garden.

What do you wish you’d known before you started out in your career?

It doesn’t matter how many times you change what you do, you’ll have always learnt something that will help you with the next step.

What do you hope you’ve achieved in five year’s time?

I’d love to own a home and a get a dog.

Million dollar question - how’s the market at the moment?

I feel the market has slowed a little in certain pockets, with the return of people living overseas there will still be house shortage let’s get building!

What separates you from other agents?

My conscientious nature - I love building relationships and I’ll go the extra mile to help because I enjoy it. n

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A pocket OF paradise Welcome to Kumeu Central, a true community built around the idea of the ultimate Auckland lifestyle.

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When you walk into the homes, you just feel like you’ve succeeded, if that makes sense – that you’ve gone into the market in a nice home, for a reasonable price.

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Build it and they will come, they reckon.

That saying has never been truer than in Kumeu, a small pocket of paradise nestled in the heart of Auckland’s west.

Says Ray White Takapuna agent Ryan Neal, it’s a place for new beginnings and a life well-lived.

“When you walk into this development, you feel like you’ve arrived,” he says.

Sprawled over more than 10 hectares of land, Kumeu Central boasts 300 residential units, including 174 terraced homes and 22 live/ work units, all located within a stone’s throw of Auckland’s dazzling west coast beaches, impressive wineries and multiple breweries.

Ryan, who has three different topologies listed within the community, says he’s been so impressed with the development, he’s bought a home there himself.

“I’m walking the talk on this one!” he laughs.

Designed by Golden Homes, the three terraced homes available offer either two or three bedrooms, and 1.5 or 2.5 bathrooms. But all will impress with their architecturally-designed layouts, quality furnishings and impressive landscaping that echo the laid-back lifestyle you can expect to lead in Kumeu.

“They’ve absolutely been built to last,” tells Ryan.

“They have a mixture of cedar, brick and axon cladding systems, timber laminated flooring and polished stone benchtops – they’re gorgeous, well thought-out homes.”

The two-storey homes offer large open-plan living and dining, with an entertainer’s kitchen (including Fisher and Paykel appliances) and plenty of space. Moving upstairs, the large bedrooms offer stunning vistas of the surrounding parks and waterways, with the master bedroom accompanied by a walk-in wardrobe.

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There’s young families, empty nesters and everyone in between, which is the sign of a great development.

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There’s a new microbrewery going in, as well as new shops and other things – they’re really building a proper atmosphere out there.

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Ryan’s listings include a generous single-car garage, three bedroom and 2.5 bath, priced from $949,000; a large two bedroom home around 100 square metres with 2.5 bathrooms and a carport, and then a slightly smaller two-bedroom home, 88 square metres and 1.5 bathrooms.

“They’re clean, fresh, warm and maintenance free,” he tells.

“When you walk into the homes, you just feel like you’ve succeeded, if that makes sense – that you’ve gone into the market in a nice home, for a reasonable price.”

He imagines a lot of interest from first home buyers and investors alike, as well as those keen to take advantage of the lifestyle Kumeu and West Auckland offers.

“Actually, there’s been all sorts of interest from different owner-occupiers, and that’s what makes a fantastic community,” Ryan continues.

“There’s young families, empty nesters and everyone in between, which is the sign of a great development.”

Located just minutes from Kumeu’s bustling main street which includes a New World supermarket, medical centre and fantastic schools, everything you need is right at your fingertips. Plus, there are a few exciting developments in the pipeline, including planned upgrades to roading and infrastructure – and even an opportunity to spot a Hobbit or two!

“They’re filming the new Amazon Lord of the Rings show just down the road,” laughs Ryan. “So there’s huge international investments going on out here, including the big film studio, which is why you can’t find a rental in Kumeu at the moment!”

“But the developers are making sure that everyone’s investments are being looked after. There’s a new microbrewery going in, as well as new shops and other things – they’re really building a proper atmosphere out there.

“The council is spending a lot of money in infrastructure out West, and this development will only benefit in the months and years to come.” n

Click Here For More Details THE BLACK BOOK.

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M IS S I NG O UT?

Get every issue, direct to your inbox

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.

| 3