When the current owners Jo and Peter finally bid a sad farewell to their much-loved Matakana Coast property, they will always remember the views over Omaha Beach, thanks to a beautiful painting by a local artist, which they commissioned especially.
“When we bought here, 18 years ago, the house was just two years old and we immediately called it Matakana 360, because of those views,” says Jo.
Seen through floor-to-ceiling windows, highlights include the Coromandel, far in the distance, as well as Mangawhai, Bream Head and Auckland City.
The house itself is compact and cleverly planned with three bedrooms, a main bathroom and ensuite, plus a big, sunny, open-plan kitchen dining and living room and a plethora of northeast and west-facing decks along with a spa pool.
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This allows the owners to catch the sensational morning sunrise on one side of the house, then watch it set from the other. Cool in summer and warm in winter thanks to a gas fireplace, double-glazing and underfloor heating, Matakana 360 is undeniably a home for all seasons.
Jo explains that the completely separate minor dwelling is only recently completed and is currently rented.
“We call it the lower house, and it’s reached via a fork in the driveway. It has so many potential uses including guest accommodation or perhaps a self-contained home for extended family.”
She says that being so well elevated and looking out over lots of covenanted native bush is very pleasant – and often a distraction from work.
The main residence, which has been meticulously maintained, was only two years old when the current owners moved in 18 years ago. Photo / Supplied
It is cleverly planned with three bedrooms, a main bathroom and ensuite, plus a big, sunny, open-plan kitchen dining and living room. Photo / Supplied
Matakana 360 is elevated and looks out over covenanted native bush. Photo / Supplied
“I love watching little quail families, listening to the tui singing and seeing the eagles swoop and dive.”
Jo says that she and Peter enjoy sheltered seclusion as this outstanding bush and birdsong property enjoys its own temperate microclimate.
It’s hard to believe that such a beautiful oasis is just five minutes’ drive from bustling Matakana village with its shops, cinema, boutiques and cafes, and it’s relatively close to Te Arai Golf Course, about 30 minutes away.
Govan Wilson Road is fully sealed and driving to the CBD takes about 50 minutes. Jo says that it’s good to know that nearby neighbours are there if they need each other, but Matakana 360 is so utterly private, they seldom see anybody else.
The separate minor dwelling is only recently completed and is rented. Photo / Supplied
The property is just five minutes’ drive from bustling Matakana village but is also private and secluded. Photo / Supplied
Jo is Australian and Peter is a Kiwi, so for years the couple has gone backwards and forwards across the Tasman, but with another exciting stage of their lives about to commence, they’re reluctantly selling their New Zealand base.
“One of the many things I’ve really liked is the fact there are no snakes here,” laughs Jo.
Local agents Jeneen Binsted and Jane Hulme are marketing the property, and say that both dwellings are very well-built, with a commitment to sustainable living that includes the use of solar panels, with battery storage.
The cottage has a single garage and there’s plenty of off-street parking for a boat or camper.
“It’s a very flexible property and the minor dwelling would be perfect as an Airbnb, being so close to Matakana. I could imagine Queenslanders whose own summers are getting hotter, buying and using it the way Jo and Peter have done – as a sanctuary.”
63 Govan Wilson Road in Matakana, Rodney, Auckland, goes to auction on November 28.
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