THE ART OF LIVING
This is a development worth going out of your way for – and once you’re through the door, you might just find your dream home.
WORDS PIP CROMBIE | PHOTOS BEN PARRY / UNTITLED STUDIO
Now completed and selling – eight beautifully appointed, architecturally designed homes on Milton Road’s prime residential ridge in Pillans Point. Interested? If you’re in the market for a centrally located, thoughtfully arranged, contemporary dwelling close to Tauranga’s CBD, Mount Maunganui, the Waikareao Estuary walk/cycleway, excellent schools, transport links and leisure activities, you need to visit. These homes will be snapped up.
When I visit the site with developer Troy Hoogeveen of Leven Property, the sun is shining on the panoramic view sweeping across the Tauranga Harbour to Mauao, the Port, the estuary and cityscape. The aspect is magnificent.
We wander through the two-storey dwellings, of which there are eight in total, housed in two blocks, with a well- balanced mix of layouts. In each block, two two-bedroom abodes are positioned centrally, while three-bedroom counterparts anchor each end. In some of the residences, the living spaces are located upstairs, whereas in others, they’re downstairs, in order to maximise the outlooks and enjoyment of each space.
A central laneway connects the two blocks. The path to each home is individually lit and landscaped with a nod to the coast walking distance away. This is not your usual townhouse development, and there’s a reason why. Troy’s vision is unique, and he has a thoughtful approach to property development. He has a background as a structural engineer, and a commerce degree, but admits he’s taking things further than that suggests by stepping into how people experience their chosen environment.
“My family and I spent five years living in Utrecht, in the Netherlands, and really admired the way townhousing and higher density housing was achieved. Both there and in Scandinavia, it’s not about packing people in, but about designing thoughtful communities – homes that are independent but allow people to be part of a cohesive environment, homes that are healthy, deliver happiness, and offer every amenity and modern convenience that enhances our living experience. This development is all that and more.”
In Dutch, the word ‘leven’ means ‘to live’ or the general manner of living. Troy chose this as a representation of the focus of his development company – how people live well.
A 1960s house was formerly situated on this large site, plonked centrally with little consideration paid at that time to utilising the grounds. “I’m passionate about redeveloping and intensifying suburban areas that are already located in proximity to urban centres and amenities,” says Troy. “Sustainability is a key driver, particularly after years living in the Netherlands, where it’s part of everyday life there. Our cities can’t keep growing outwards, and we want to contribute positively to the existing urban fabric of Tauranga.”
Leven Property worked closely with architects at Tauranga’s Designgroup Stapleton Elliot, who as well as an appreciation of this locale, have experience in similar community-focused dwellings of this calibre in Queenstown and Wānaka. Lead contractor, Austen Projects, brought the craftmanship, durability and quality finishes you’ll appreciate when you visit – or move in.
So what can you expect? The Canterbury Clay brick cladding is a clue to the warm, timeless, sandy aesthetic that draws on the coastal vibe. Almond, ivory and honey tones prevail as you move through to the Japandi-style interiors that blend Japanese functionality and rustic minimalism with Scandinavian simplicity. Cosy meets calm in these clutter-free spaces.
In each home, the entryway provides coathooks and a seat that lets you remove your shoes, then lifts up to store them. The spacious, open-plan kitchen/dining/ living areas feature lofty 2.7m high ceilings that enhance the light and openness. The kitchens boast porcelain benchtops, and high-end cabinetry and fittings – and, in the three-bedroom homes, separate sculleries.
Concealed reverse-cycle air conditioning ensures year- round comfort throughout. Underfloor bathroom heating and heated towel rails mean the wet spaces – including the ensuite to the main bedroom in every home – also remain dry and warm. Ceramic tiles and glass shower doors provide luxury and style.
Engineered oak floors and woollen Bremworth carpets have been specified in soft, neutral tones to suit the natural material and colour palettes of these homes. You can make your own unique statement with your window treatments and furnishings.
Residents will make good use of the thoughtfully designed workspaces and cabinetry, ample under-stair storage and other well thought out design features, like the Wi-Fi access points fitted upstairs and down. These homes are beautiful, airy and eminently liveable.
Each home sits on its own freehold title, with no ongoing body corporate or residents’ association fees, and comes with a dedicated carpark, cable fittings for the future connection of e-vehicle chargers, sophisticated Ajax security systems and digital deadbolt front entry locks.
Communal bike parking is available, there’s a central rubbish bay, and each home has its own discreetly located outdoor clothesline. The details have really been delivered here – you should go and see them for yourself.
30 Milton Road
