“It’s the magnificent pohutukawa that really marks out this property,” says the daughter of a local couple, Harold and Tertia Abrahamson, who bought their Whitianga dream home – overlooking Simpsons Beach – 40 years ago.
It’s now on the market and is already generating good interest, both in and beyond the iconic coastal town. 92 Wharekaho Road in Wharekaho, Whitianga, has six bedrooms and three bathrooms, and will be sold at auction on February 18.
“I think everything about this place just symbolises the great kiwi, summer lifestyle,” says the daughter.
Her parents were hard-working farmers and prior to retirement, they treated themselves to what was a very modern dwelling for the time, having been built in the 1970s or thereabouts.
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“It was our family base, and I had my hen party – and my wedding there – plus milestone birthdays and anniversaries and many Christmas days,” says the daughter.
She adds that the property also has a significant connection with Captain James Cook, whose pioneering visit to the area – around 1769 – led to nearby Cooks Beach being named in his honour. Captain Cook is said to have sat almost exactly on the spot that is now 92 Wharekaho Road, admiring the sensational, sweeping views.
On its uniquely picturesque 1824sqm site, the house is spacious and filled with light.
Local couple Harold and Tertia Abrahamson bought their Whitianga dream home – overlooking Simpsons Beach – 40 years ago. Photo / Supplied
A huge, semi open-plan kitchen, dining and living area flows beautifully to the outdoor rest and recreation areas, providing the perfect hub for family life – with an appealing, mid-century vibe.
Upstairs are four bedrooms – including the very generous master suite, which was added on by Harold and Tertia – plus an office, while the downstairs area has two further bedrooms, along with a lounge and bathroom.
The home has recently been refreshed, in a style which reflects the relaxed and airy spirit of its coastal location, but new owners will almost certainly want to undertake a more extensive renovation and the unique opportunity is exciting.
The owners’ daughter says that the property is potentially subdividable, and a preliminary plan has been completed.
“I think it has so many possibilities, especially because the downstairs area can generate income, if required.
“It would be a wonderful property for one family, but it could also work well for multiple owners using a time-share arrangement, because there’s just so much space.”
The home, with uninterrupted views of the sea, has recently been refreshed . Photo / Supplied
Upstairs are four bedrooms – including the master suite – plus an office, while the downstairs area has two further bedrooms, along with a lounge and bathroom. Photo / Supplied
Listing agent Dayle Candy from Harcourts, Whitianga, reiterates that the iconic pohutukawa is a fascinating talking point.
“We’ve heard some intriguing stories at the open homes, including one couple who confessed to us they’d once slipped onto the property to take a photo under the tree – simply because it was so impressive.
“When they got the film developed, they looked at the shot and – along with themselves, they saw a woman who’d been sitting up high on a branch – unbeknownst to them, reading a book!”
She says that Harold and Tertia were keen conservationists – long before current climate-change.
“The home sits on bedrock, and they worked hard to build up sand in front of a retaining wall, so it’s held up very well in recent stormy weather,” says Candy.
- Sponsored by Harcourts
