Jim Kelly’s daughter doesn’t hold back when telling him he’s insane for selling the family bach at Waipu.
And it’s not just because it has superb views over the Waipu River, the sand dunes and out to the ocean, only 80 minutes from Auckland.
The real attraction is that it’s absolute waterfront — you can sit on the lawn and put your feet in the water.
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You can sit on the lawn and put your feet in the water - or drag a kayak down for a paddle. Photo / supplied
“You can buy properties with water views relatively easily, but it’s hard to find real waterfront land,” Jim says. “It’s great that here we have both."
The property is being marketed for $1.25 million by Christine Birss, of Bayleys, Mangawhai.
“When we were looking to buy a bach we didn’t really know this area and we weren’t aware of what the Waipu River offered.”
They also have what he describes as an “old school ‘70s house — it’s got everything you need for big family gatherings.”
Built on two levels towards the river front of the 281 Cove Rd property, the views are superb. The main living area is upstairs, along with one bedroom. Downstairs has two bedrooms as well as extra living space.
Living is upstairs to take advantage of the spectacular views. Photo / supplied
A single garage doubles as a games area and dorm for extra visitors, and on really big family weekends there’s plenty of room for tents and parking behind the house.
Jim says he’s been tempted to turn it into a permanent home — but his wife told him that wasn’t going to happen.
The 1970s home could be converted to a permanent home. Meantime the garage and a big lawns for tents fit plenty of guests for the summer. Photo / supplied
It has accommodated gangs of kids and adults over the years, with keys being distributed to the wider family keen to enjoy such a unique holiday retreat.
Fishing has been a major lure over the years but these days it’s mainly floundering, which Jim says never fails to provide a meal.
“Plus it’s great wandering around out there in the water and at night it’s gorgeous.”
The views over the river are spectacular all day. Photo / supplied
The river is also a popular playground for kayaks and small boats, to go up the river to Waipu, a town with a strong Scottish heritage.
On the ocean side, there’s a good surf break and more great fishing. For those with more sedentary leanings, bird watching near the river will provide sightings of New Zealand dotterel, oyster catchers and fairy terns.
The property has its own jetty with current (NRC) council certificate, a small storage shed, and even a healthy orchard with plums, limes and feijoas. And Jim says its proximity to the river mouth means the water is clearer and the fish are better.
“Someone will buy it, dress the house up with mid-century furnishings, and it’ll be a very cool retro retreat.”
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