It was the location’s extraordinary convenience that sealed the deal for Sandra Forrester and her family when they purchased this bush-clad sanctuary on Waiheke Island eight years ago. 12B Tiri Road, in Oneroa, is just a three-minute drive from the ferry terminal, or a 20-minute walk.
“Proximity to the ferry when you’re coming and going a lot is everything. It’s a dream spot. Worst case scenario and you have to catch a taxi, it’s not expensive, as you’re just going up the hill,” she says.
Oneroa village’s cafes, restaurants and shops are also just a five-minute drive away, as is the beach. While the mainland dwellers have used it as their beach house, the property’s generous proportions and fantastic, easy-care site also make it a wonderful primary residence on the island.
The inviting three-bedroom home is enveloped within 1000sqm of lush native gardens, which, as well as providing the huge benefit of no lawns to mow, also creates a wonderful sense of seclusion.
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“It’s completely private, you just look straight out onto the bush. When you’re on our deck you can’t see anyone and no one can see you,” she says.
Despite ticking most boxes for the family, there was one issue they had to overcome when they moved into their new home. De-blueing it.
“It was built in the mid to late ‘90s and when we bought it everything was blue. Everything – inside and out. It was horrific,” she laughs. “It had been on the market for quite a long time and I think that was because people couldn’t get their heads around it.”
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home was built a local builder.
The huia mural on an outside wall was painted by island lass Bella Gee.
But they recognised the great bones and potential, so they refreshed and updated it with a stylish new colour scheme. They painted the interior white and exterior black. One delightful splash of colour that does remain outside, however, is the hand-painted huia mural.
“It was painted onto the house by a young girl who lives on the island, her name is Bella Gee. I wanted something for the courtyard because it need a bit of colour. So she came around and I said, ‘just paint it straight onto the wall’.”
Inside is spacious and functional, flooded with sun and light and works very well. The ground floor incorporates the updated kitchen, dining and living spaces, as well as two bedrooms and a bathroom. Feature heart rimu stairs arrive up to the top level’s master with ensuite – ideal for family dynamics and guests.
“The bedrooms are massive. When all the kids were still living at home and using it, we had double and a queen beds in every bedroom,” Sandra says.
The eco-friendly design also includes thermal windows and doors, making it easy to heat in the winter when the log fire is burning in the lounge.
As well as a big garden courtyard, there are four decks in total, with the largest one covered.
The heart rimu stairs take you to the upstairs master with ensuite.
Sandra says that the thing she’s loved the most is the amazing outdoor living options and all the memories made there. As well as a big garden courtyard, there are four decks in total, with the largest one covered.
“We have drop-down curtains so it doesn’t matter if it’s raining or blowing, you can sit out there all year round. We’ve hosted so many big groups of family and friends out there,” she says.
Sandra is a major advocate for the island paradise.
“The beaches are beautiful and you’ve got the café lifestyle, the wine and the vineyards, plus it’s so easy. You just get on the ferry and you’re there 35 minutes later. And in summer they go every 30 minutes,” she says.
Howard Gee, from Barfoot & Thompson, who is selling the property with colleague Philip Davis, says that this is a really great place for families.
“It’s such a big house – it’s got a large bedroom upstairs with its own ensuite, so you can have the kids downstairs. It’s made from really good materials and was built by a very good local builder.”
- 12B Tiri Road in Oneroa, Waiheke Island, goes to auction on September 18
