Auckland’s unique proximity to the water is perhaps the city’s most remarkable, but often under-capitalised on drawcard. The Waitematā Harbour has become intrinsically linked to Auckland’s identity, but oftentimes, its expansive, natural beauty is inaccessible to suburbanites, with the city sprawling away from the waterfront and prime real estate being underutilised — with industrial developments getting a front row seat.
Winton, a development company known for seeking out pockets of the country’s best undeveloped land (with Ayrburn and Cracker Bay both in its oeuvre), has found one such space in Auckland’s western suburbs — within ex-naval base and burgeoning community Hobsonville Point, and set to work transforming it into the city’s most exciting new suburban hub.
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Called Launch Bay, this sweeping offering is set on a spectacular site, opening up one of the last pieces of absolute harbourside land available in Auckland. Here, a long stretch of waterfront backs onto a substantial site surrounded by mature trees and thoughtful landscaping, combining the allure of seaside living with the vibrancy of the existing community, and seamless access to the city via a short ferry ride.
For Winton, the jewel in the development’s crown is Jimmy’s Point — a striking set of 30 architecturally-designed apartments sitting across five levels, with extensive, open views across the water, the Hobsonville Point walkway, and the historic oval. Located on the tip of the peninsula, facing north, the luxury residences designed by Winton (backed by years of design expertise) in collaboration with Isthmus Architects offer absolute waterfront living, with the water, quite literally, on the front doorstep. Residents will find Catalina Bay, home to the well-loved Catalina Markets, Fabric Café, Little Creatures Brewery and Gourmet Gannet Bakery only a few minutes walk away, and the ferry to the city (which takes 25 minutes and makes for a picturesque commute) an easy, five minute stroll along the boardwalk.
Imagined for those who appreciate good design (as is the case with all of Winton’s design-led developments), the sleek, sophisticated residences offer two or three bedrooms, one or two bathrooms, underground car parking, and separate storage, with lift access to all floors. The thoughtfully designed dwellings range in size from 84 sqm — 166 sqm, including balconies, and boast a calm, neutral palette, clean lines, open spaces and cosy textiles, with Miele or Fisher and Paykel kitchen appliances, timeless materials, and spacious in-built wardrobes.
In fact, at Jimmy’s Point, the emphasis placed on the quality of dwellings goes well beyond aesthetic finishings — it sits at the heart of the design. From the inherent quality in the form of construction to the clever maximisation of the outlook, thoughtful soundproofing, materiality, and the surrounding precinct’s layout — carefully conceived to make daily life all the more pleasurable, no stone has been left unturned, and no expense spared in creating a truly high-quality and supremely liveable abode.
The expansive penthouse affords inhabitants truly spectacular views with floor-to-ceiling windows (so as to maximise the breathtaking outlook and abundant natural light). The generous master bedroom is the pinnacle of luxury and comfort, with central heating and cooling, a walk-in wardrobe, and stunning ensuite, while a dedicated media room sits alongside open-plan living spaces perfect for entertaining, and several sun portals bathe the entire abode in natural light. The balcony provides unrestricted wrap-around views — northeast towards Sunset Bay and the Hobsonville waterfront precinct, towards the north shore and the green hills of Greenhithe, and out to the northwest to Herald Island, with indoor-outdoor connection carefully considered to maximise the outlook.
“For Winton, the jewel in the development’s crown is Jimmy’s Point, a striking set of 30 architecturally-designed apartments…”
And while Jimmy’s Point stands as a beacon of luxury living, the entire Launch Bay precinct — dotted with various residential developments, from town houses to apartment complexes and sprawling social spaces, offers an unparalleled style of living.
The suburb in which it’s nestled, Hobsonville Point, was established as an Air Force base in 1929 and as such, is renowned for its military and aviation heritage. The Point and Catalina Bay became the primary location for New Zealand’s amphibious aircraft throughout the 1930s and 40s, expanding over the years to incorporate barracks, houses and hangars, flourishing until 1967, when the aircraft was finally decommissioned. Once home to military parades and garden parties, today, the historic Oval is preserved as a common recreation space; the historic Seaplane and Sunderland hangars transformed into stylish eateries, retail and office spaces, and the original Officers’ Houses beautifully restored as contemporary homes within Winton’s Launch Bay precinct.
With its vibrant community, proximity to the water, exceptional hospitality offering and ferry service direct to the city, Launch Bay is a thoughtfully-designed suburban hub setting a new benchmark for city living — and making a strong case for heading west. From a picturesque daily commute (allowing you to skip the traffic and take in the surrounding splendour), to weekends spent perusing market stalls brimming with farm-fresh produce, artisan cheese and organic coffee or perching at one of the many chic cafés, bistros and breweries nearby before a leisurely stroll home along the marina — at Launch Bay, you’ll find your very own peaceful sanctuary, where the quaint charm of a life lived seaside and vibrant urban living collide in the most enticing way.
