After many decades working overseas, the beautiful Bay of Islands called the owners of this Karetu property home from Hong Kong 20 years ago.
A small newspaper clipping advertising the estate brought them to the neglected but potential-filled peninsula, where they have gone on to build their dream home and develop a waterfront paradise complete with private jetty and pontoon, riparian rights and a boatshed.
The couple enlisted late architect Morton Jordan to design their residence, with their brief to create a family home that would take full advantage of the extraordinary coastal outlook and create generous zones for relaxing and entertaining in paradise.
Clever design and a seriously spacious floor plan across three levels means the house can host a crowd with ease.
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“We’ve had a family gathering here, where 19 people stayed over several days,” shares one of the owners. “It was such a big variation of age groups and interests but there was room for everyone.”
Walls of glass create a seamless connection with the outdoors and the kitchen and living at the heart of the home has a double-height ceiling to allow for maximum light, sun and views. There is also a semi-separate lounge, media room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms on this level.
Upstairs is dedicated to the spectacular primary suite, equipped with a large bedroom, luxury ensuite and architectural bridge connecting the bedroom to the office/living space. The owner describes the lower level as an “amazing teenage retreat”.
The property has six bedrooms, five bathrooms, garaging, and multiple living areas. Photo / Supplied
Over the past two decades, the owners have built their dream home, and developed a waterfront paradise complete with private jetty and pontoon, riparian rights and a boatshed. Photo / Supplied
“It’s been a real voyage of evolution and discovery and is now quite beautiful. We still look around and say, ‘wow!’,” say the owners. Photo / Supplied
Underfloor heating throughout keeps things comfortable all year round and this area incorporates a second kitchen, lounge, purpose-built home theatre, sewing room, two bedrooms and a bathroom. It’s not just the water views that take centre stage.
“The sky on a clear night has to be seen to be believed,” shares one of the owners.
Separate from the main residence is a substantial three-bay shed, ideal for vehicle and watercraft storage, with a dedicated workshop space.
Above the shed, a well-appointed studio provides extra accommodation for guests. It includes a large living area, a compact kitchenette with sink, bench and fridge, and its own bathroom.
The 3.288ha of land is set over two titles and the owners have painstakingly developed and landscaped the grounds to what they are today. “It’s been a real voyage of evolution and discovery and is now quite beautiful. We still look around and say, ‘wow!’.”
The owners enlisted late architect Morton Jordan to design their residence. Photo / Supplied
The 3.288ha of land is set over two titles and the owners have painstakingly developed and landscaped the grounds. Photo / Supplied
Walls of glass create a seamless connection with the outdoors and offer uninterrupted views. Photo / Supplied
Despite the gently sloping contour of the land, generous flat lawn areas have been created and a tiled patio area with a pizza oven offers an inviting setting for outdoor entertaining. Life on the water is a pleasure here, with endless opportunity to get out on the salty brine fishing, collecting oysters off the point or exploring the inlet by kayak.
Irene Bremner from Bayleys says this estate is perfectly located around the bay from the Bay of Islands Marina.
“You can bring your big craft home and land your helicopter there. It’s the perfect house for a couple or a multigenerational family – it’s a real home away from home.”
707 Waikino Road in Russell Surrounds, Far North, is for sale by tender closing March 31, 2027.
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