SECRET SLICE OF HEAVEN
This generous architect-designed home makes the most of its stunning location, writes DONNA FLEMING
KAWAKAWA BAY
121 Kawakawa Bay Coast Road
It’s a slice of Kiwi paradise in a scenic spot that’s one of Auckland’s best-kept secrets. Stephen Waters says he’s felt very fortunate to raise his family for the past two decades in a unique home in Kawakawa Bay, on the coast past Clevedon. The house is on a quiet nothrough road that hugs the coast and has breathtaking views out over Tamaki Strait to several Hauraki Gulf islands. When you’re sitting on the deck looking out over the pohutukawa trees to the water, there’s nowhere else you could be than in New Zealand.
“It really is an idyllic place to live but a lot of people don’t even know it’s here,” says Stephen.
Originally from the South Island, he’d lived in Auckland for years before visiting Kawakawa Bay for the first time. Years later, when he decided he wanted to raise his three kids out of the city, Kawakawa Bay seemed like the perfect spot and when he found an old bach not far from the boat ramp, he knew he’d found his future home.
“We commuted to it for two years, then lived in it for a year and a half before building the house where the bach had been.”
Because it was considered a major renovation rather than a new build, they were able to keep the original footprint. Architect Chris McCarthny came up with a stylish home whose curved roofs suited the coastal setting and made the most of the stunning views.
Built 20 years ago and refurbished in 2017, the house is spread over three levels. The top level is devoted to the master suite, which along with
“It really is an idyllic place to live but a lot of people don’t even know it’s here.”
the spacious bedroom includes a mezzanine study area, generous wardrobe and an en suite with the bath perfectly placed by a big corner window so you can enjoy the outlook while soaking in the tub.
The middle area has three bedrooms, a family bathroom and the open-plan living/ dining/kitchen area that opens out to two decks. One deck is tucked into the curved roof by the kitchen and is a great sheltered spot for barbecues, while the one at the front has the magic views and spectacular sunsets.
Down on the third level, a fifth bedroom with its own bathroom is great for guests as it has its own entrance and can be self-contained.
Ray White agent William Tatana says the property is a great find. “The pace of life is slower here, and it’s so easy to go fishing, kayaking or walk along the pohutukawa-lined shoreline. You’ve got panoramic views north towards Waiheke, with Pakihi and Ponui islands in the foreground.”
Sale: By negotiation
Contact: William Tatana, Ray White, 022 341 0870; Troy Restieaux, 022 692 2400