Classic weatherboard bungalow with a twist of mid century modedrnist architectural flair and a chic renovation: sloping ceiling with exposed beams in the open plan living room; clerestory windows to allow the light to penetrate; big glass sliders opening onto a fabulous outdoor living area; 3 beautiful tiled bathrooms; 4 double bedrooms. The location is second to none – in zone for Campbells Bay Primary and Westlake High School, handy to beach, shops, golf course and parks, with a wonderful elevation that affords views from Rangitoto to the Sky Tower, with Lake Pupuke in between. Uber-cool main bedroom and ensuite with especially good views, double vanity, double shower, dark timber cabinetry and Italian tiles. To be sold by auction. Call Tony for details on 0800 61 8888

Nestled into a sheltered and sunny rear site in sought after Hauraki Corner, this substantial home offers lots of choice for your active, growing family. With a separate, self-contained suite and large interconnecting living rooms, teenagers and extended family can all have their own space. Large windows and French doors ensure a light-filled interior and easy flow from ground floor living to level gardens and patio. This peaceful spot is rich with birdlife and there’s plenty of space for the trampoline and the ball games. Popular Hauraki Primary is just around the corner, along with an excellent cafe, while a supermarket, comprehensive medical centre and gorgeous Takapuna Beach are an easy walk away.

Auction on site 16 October @ 4pm. Call Tony 0800 61 8888

Solid and semi detached - a huge opportunity

Bigger than your average unit, 2/8 Brook Street is a deceased estate to be sold at auction on 18 October @ 7pm.

Spacious open plan living, 2 good sized double bedrooms, and internal access single garage – it’s all looking a bit rundown and shabby and could do with a complete makeover. It has exclusive use areas for gardens and outdoor living, part of which is fenced, and there’s plenty you could do to further enhance the exterior. Very handy to Smale’s Farm and bus station, Nth Shore hospital and all the health practitioners on Shakespeare Rd. There’s even a dairy at the corner.

Open Sat/Sun 1:30 – 2:00 Call Tony 0800 61 8888

With the French rugby team staying at the Spencer on Byron Hotel for the duration of the World Cup, Takapuna is the official host of the French team, so there’s no end of excitement and plenty of events planned to celebrate the occasion.

Frog in a Barrel (our fabulous French wineshop in Milford) is hosting a very special culinary event at the Spencer on Byron on 25 September, kicking off at 5:30pm. A Taste of France in Kiwiland promises to be a fabulous evening of superb French wines, champagne and gourmet treats, while mingling with star rugby players. Numbers are limited so order yours today! Phone 486 1977 or 021 201 2026. This is a charity event (Child Cancer) and well worth supporting.

Takapuna’s first night market begins on 8 September at the Hurstmere Green and will be held every Thursday 5 – 9pm. This promises to be a fun-filled evening with loads of stalls and entertainment planned.

Rugby matches at North Harbour Stadium:

France v Japan September 10
Australia v Italy 11 September
Sth Africa v Namibia 22 September
Sth Africa v Samoa 30 September

Solid 70s Home in Chatswood

Classic 1970s home – solidly constructed on a concrete block base, with clinker brick and weatherboard cladding, dormer windows and plenty of space!

With the main living rooms, kitchen and 3 bedrooms on the upper level, there’s great flow to the expansive deck with its sheltered seating areas and built in spa pool. This ideal entertaining area is fully fenced and very sheltered, while there’s an adjacent area of level lawns and raised gardens that’s great for kicking a ball around and growing some veges.

Downstairs, there’s another big lounge or rumpus room, a big office, another double bedroom and a toilet. There’s plenty of storage space on this level and options to add a third bathroom if you wanted to make it self contained for the teens, visitors or grandparents. The double garage is extra big, with plenty of workshop space, and internal access. Outside, there’s off street parking for a few cars, a boat or caravan.

The house has been well maintained over its 30 year lifespan, with the recent addition of HRV and reverse cycle air conditioning.

The location is first class – handy to Highbury and the boutique shops and cares of Birkenhead Point, as well as being an easy commute to the city by car, bus or ferry.

Sharply priced at $710,000. BE QUICK TO SECURE THIS FABULOUS FAMILY HOME. Call Tony 0800 61 8888.

Preparing the perfect coffee at Toasted Espresso

When I simply want a great coffee, Toasted Espresso is probably my favourite spot. These guys are seriously good baristas and Toasted Espresso consistently produces award winning roasts. Their beans are used by a lot of local cafes and restaurants.

Toasted Espresso started life a bit further down Barry’s Pt Road Takapuna, but they moved into their current premises at number 42 a few years ago and have recently extended the cafe. I guess it’s more evidence of their success as a great local business that’s stuck to its core values. You can get a bite to eat – there’s a variety of sweet and savoury counter foods – but this place is really about drinking damn fine coffee. They sell coffe machines and all sorts of coffee paraphernalia.

The interior design is loungey, with collections of retro chairs and couches and the odd table. There’s usually some good local art work on display, good magazines to read, and the music is always groovy. Oh, and you can buy your beans here, too.

Just had an RSS feed from the Auckland Council that’s worth taking note of.  With the rainy season ahead of us – oh yippee! – there’ll be lots of extra stormwater running onto our beaches and out to sea. We love the beach lifestyle here on the Shore – the longest urban coastline in NZ – and we need to keep it clean and beautiful. Washing your car on the lawn (or at a designated carwash facility) keeps that filth and detergent out of our swimming beaches and streams. Take a look at the council article on how to preserve our coastline and waterways.