Relaxing at the dinner table while keeping an eye on the kids out kayaking is a pleasure usually reserved for coastal holiday homes, but Sheree and her family are able to enjoy this from their property at the heart of suburban Red Beach.
The 891sqm section overlooks the Orewa Estuary and has direct gated access to Te Ara Tahuna/Orewa Estuary Path, the scenic 7.6km walkway and cycleway that loops around the water.
“One of my favourite things is sitting here having a barbecue and our kids are out kayaking on the estuary at a particular inlet we call ‘the lake’ – there’s a little jetty right down in front of our place,” she says.
They built their 328sqm four-bedroom house in 2019 after moving to the area from Browns Bay.
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“We wanted two things – a large section and a big new home and it’s really hard to find that in the East Coast Bays. My mum was walking on the estuary track and spotted the section, called us immediately and we went up that night and bought it on the spot. We instantly fell in love with it.”
They got architect Fraser Horton onboard early, as well as a great builder, which helped finesse the process.
“The first day we bought the section, we met the builder who was building two other spectacular homes next to ours. He said, ‘Hey I’m halfway through this one, do you want me to do yours next?’.”
They have designed a home that’s luxurious and elegant but also super practical for family life. Stylish interiors incorporate premium oak flooring, electric blinds, fully tiled bathrooms, a designer kitchen, extensive storage and an office with built-in desk.
“We didn’t want it to be too precious. It had to be that right mix of quality, hardwearing and comfortable for us to enjoy, as well as welcoming and inviting when we host playdates and have family over.”
Socialising zones are downstairs, with the family room and living, dining and kitchen flowing out to the deck. Photo / Supplied
The home has a 328sqm floor plan on a 891sqm section, with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a triple garage with off-street parking. Photo / Supplied
A low-maintenance structure was another key prerequisite, so the family could get on and enjoy life.
“The cladding is Nuwall, which is about as low maintenance as it gets. You just waterblast it every second year. The other thing we really wanted a house that is soaked in sun, so it sits perfectly northeast on the site and has massive commercial joinery so that the sun fills it all day every day.”
Social zones are downstairs, with the family room and living, dining and kitchen flowing out to the deck. This is partially covered with a louvre system for all weather entertaining and has a custom-built barbecue and outdoor kitchen. There is also plenty of space to add a swimming pool to the landscaped lawns and gardens.
All the accommodation is upstairs and every room is generously sized.
“We didn’t want a magnificent master and substandard children’s rooms, so we built four spectacular bedrooms that all have sensational estuary views.”
The ever-changing estuary outlook is on full display throughout and despite the sense of openness, the home enjoys surprising privacy.
The home was designed by architect Fraser Horton. The vendors met the builder on the first day they bought the section - he was building the two neighbouring homes. Photo / Supplied
“We have a 180-degree outlook with no neighbours in front of us,” says one of the homeowners. Photo / Supplied
“We have a 180-degree outlook with no neighbours in front of us. We’re right in the middle of suburbia but no one is looking in on our section or our house. We wanted that feeling of a private escape but to also be really urban and central.”
Orewa and Silverdale’s shopping and dining hubs are both just five minutes away, as are motorway onramps and a choice of beautiful beaches. The sense of community in the family-friendly neighbourhood has been a joy.
“At the time we arrived we had a one-year-old and now we have two children, so it’s been really important for us. At least once a week another 10 seven-year-olds bowl through our front gate off the estuary track and round up our kids.
“It’s a great spot.”
Gareth Hookham and Kylie Le Cheminant, from Harcourts, are selling the property and Hookham says this is a stunning home in a super special, unique pocket.
“It’s got all the space and beauty of a lifestyle block, without all the work involved. The home is so detailed – it’s a really exciting property to sell.”
- 8 Miran Lane in Red Beach, Rodney, Auckland, is for sale by auction on August 7
