Over more than 30 years, 4.5 acres of bare, unremarkable land has been transformed into a lush, private paradise complete with sweeping views across Coromandel’s iconic coastline.
213 Kuaotunu Wharekaho Road in Kuaotunu, Hauraki-Coromandel is positioned much like a lighthouse on a hill overlooking a still-kept Coromandel secret, Kuaotunu Beach. The property is on the market for sale by auction on February 29.
After purchasing the property in 1991, owners Brent and Lise decided to “re-green” it.
“One of our passions was to restore part of the property to what it might have looked like a few hundred years ago,” says Brent. “We have spent many a long day planting natives and exotics; I used to keep the receipts for the trees we bought over the years, but I stopped counting once we hit 3500.”
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After visiting Europe on and off for many years, Brent and Lise wanted to bring a sense of Europe back to the Coromandel. European design and a distinct feeling of being built to last are reflected throughout the design of their sprawling 600sqm home – from the Mediterranean-esque exterior to the use of double glazing and gas underfloor heating, right through to the walled vegetable garden, common in gardens in the south of France.
“New Zealand doesn’t have the sort of architecture that lasts the distance like it does in Europe,” says Brent. “We wanted to bring that sense of inter-generational longevity into our home.”
The site also influenced the design.
The homeowners bought the hilltop property in 1991, planted more than 3500 trees and built a sprawling 600sqm Mediterranean-esque home to last generations. Photo / Supplied
The internal courtyard – another European influence – means enjoying the outdoors whatever the weather. Photo / Supplied
“Living on top of a hill we enjoy remarkable views, but we’re also at the mercy of the wind. We designed the house with an internal courtyard – another European influence – which means we can enjoy the outdoors whatever the weather.”
The home has become a quasi-gallery for the pair’s extensive art collection.
“I started collecting art in my late teens and together we’ve kept buying. When we built this house, we wanted to be able to display our beautiful pieces. We’ve incorporated the view into the house’s architecture too. Out every window is a view, almost like it’s another piece of art.”
The property is located mere metres from the beach and three minutes’ walk to the heart of Kuaotunu Village.
The property is metres from the beach and three minutes’ walk to Kuaotunu Village. Photo / Supplied
And like all good Mediterranean houses, this one comes with a wine cellar. Photo / Supplied
“Over half the residents here are permanent, compared with other towns on the Peninsula with large holiday populations, which contributes to a real sense of community and togetherness. It feels like we’re a part of ‘60s rural New Zealand – but with 21st century fibre!”
Bayleys agents Belinda Sammons and Kylie Pullen say 213 Kuaotunu Wharekaho Road is a rarity in the luxury property market.
“It’s very hard to find this calibre of home so close to the beach, not just on the Coromandel but anywhere in New Zealand,” says Belinda. “An added benefit is that zoning allows for a helicopter to land on the forecourt outside. This property really has it all.”
While Brent and Lise are sad to say goodbye to the home they’ve poured their hearts and souls into, they’re confident it will bring joy to its new owners.
“We built this home to last and it just keeps getting better. We’re confident it will still stand the test of time and still be standing proudly in a hundred years.”
- Sponsored by Bayleys
