82 Paritai Drive, Orakei

Originally crafted in the late 1930s, 82 Paritai Drive is one of this prestigious street’s original residences and is a showpiece of the era’s elegant design. The 936sqm property savours a panoramic vista of Auckland’s iconic and ever changing harbourscape from its elevated, north facing position. The property’s ownership history since its inception reflects successive phases of Auckland’s social, professional and cultural life across the mid to late twentieth century. It’s been home to several key figures, including an accomplished New Zealand artist and silversmith, and Dr George Condor Hitchcock OBE, DFC - a WW2 Squadron Leader in the Royal New Zealand Air Force and later a renowned Auckland Doctor and Pathologist. The sound and solid, two storey home is presented with many of the rich period detailing perfectly preserved. Dark timber wall panelling is a strong feature inside, as are the gleaming timber floors and the sweeping foyer staircase with curved timber banister. The ground floor is dedicated to living, dining and entertaining. The formal lounge has a large open fire and brick chimney and flows into the formal dining space and separate family room. Large picture windows frame magnificent harbour views and the inside flows out to the covered balcony, private swimming pool and landscaped gardens. The light-filled kitchen has been updated with modern appliances and there is also a bathroom, laundry and single internal garage on this level. Upstairs, three bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom, with the master enjoying 180-degree views of the harbour and North Shore. Across the parking courtyard outside and above the double garage, the separate sunny 36sqm studio has its own bathroom and French doors out to the private garden. It would make ideal guest quarters, a home office or a teenage retreat. The vendors have moved closer to family, so this landmark estate is seriously for sale....