Having built a number of houses together Debbie and Mike have a very good idea of what works well, and their stylish north-facing home on a 1300sqm site at Point Wells – with its stunning water views – is something of a “greatest hits” compilation of features that have been successful for them previously.
It takes inspiration from New York’s Hamptons and the breezy coastal style of New England, transporting those elements seamlessly to a setting that’s uniquely Kiwi.
“We’re in our mid-sixties now and we wanted to create a multi-generational home – especially now because our son in Auckland has two little children – our grandsons, and our other son likes coming over from Sydney to see us,” she says.
“When the little boys are here, they and their parents have their own wing upstairs, with a bedroom, bathroom and bunkroom, just down the hall from our primary bedroom suite.”
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Creating living zones where everybody can relax was very important to Debbie.
The kitchen (with handy separate scullery) is naturally right at the heart, surrounded by a dining zone, living room, and a separate snug for quiet times.
A notable sense of space in this part of the house is enhanced by the double-height ceilings and statement chandelier, elegant, panelled walls and a giant stone fireplace which acts as a natural focal point and gathering place.
A notable sense of space is enhanced by the double-height ceilings and statement chandelier, elegant, panelled walls and a giant stone fireplace. Photo / Supplied
Large glass doors open to extensive decking plus an inground pool surrounded by resort-like lounging areas. Photo / Supplied
Rich timber floorboards add further character and ducted air conditioning ensures warmth in winter and cooling during summer.
The third bedroom, with ensuite, lies behind the kitchen, once again, provides perfect separation for guests. Everyday convenience comes in the form of a large laundry combined with storage and an internal access double garage.
A lift has been installed between the home’s two levels for future-proofing.
Naturally, indoor-outdoor flow was another priority for the couple, and this is achieved by means of large glass doors opening to extensive decking, some of which is covered for weather protection – plus an inground pool surrounded by resort-like lounging areas.
The kitchen is at the heart, surrounded by a dining zone, living room, and a separate snug for quiet times. Photo / Supplied
Ray White agent Victoria Turner says: “And you could not find a better property than this.” Photo / Supplied
The house has its own putting green – enjoyed especially by one of the grandsons, who is six. Debbie jokes that it’s too soon to know if he’s the next Tiger Woods, but he’s showing definite talent and golf is a certainly a favourite activity in the area, with easy access to world-class Tara Iti and Te Arai links.
Now that the home is complete and the gardens are taking shape, Debbie and Mike have decided to make one more, potentially final move.
Victoria Turner, of Ray White, says that Point Wells is a lovely, quiet friendly community, close to Matakana and Omaha and only a one hour’s drive from Auckland. “And you could not find a better property than this,” she adds.
“Every aspect and material used has been carefully selected and the result is a very sunny, inviting, spacious home for all the family in an elite position with exceptional views to Omaha and across the ranges. It was built to be loved.”
- 26 Sandpiper Avenue in Point Wells, Rodney, is for sale by negotiation
