The owner of this waterfront property in Russell says there are few things finer than sitting on its front deck a stone’s throw from the sea, watching the world go by.
Justin, who is now based in Thailand, fell in love with the Bay of Islands when he was working in Kerikeri while completing his degree in horticultural science.
“It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty with endless outdoor pursuits.”
He previously owned a holiday home inland but recognised the supremacy of The Strand and bought this property when it became available. He bought the house at auction in August 2001 while phone-bidding from Vietnam. During a pause in bidding he negotiated to buy this property directly from the other bidder.
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He calls his nicely level property “Last on the Strand”, the northernmost home on the promenade. It’s on the corner of Kent Street, diagonally just across from the Russell Boat Ramp.
“I don’t have any evidence of it but people in Russell told me it was a Keith Hay home which was barged in and positioned in place.”
Adjoining the main three-bedroom home is a self-contained one-bedroom residence referred to as The Nest.
“I purchased additional land behind the homes and added it to the title.”
Justin renovated the dwellings, which still retain some Kiwi charm, and extended the deck wrapping around two sides of the larger home.
49 The Strand in Russell has four bedrooms and three bathrooms on a 1182sqm corner site. Photo / Supplied
“There’s nothing better than a barbecue on the front deck with a glass of wine, watching boating activity and friendly passersby,” says the homeowner. Photo / Supplied
“For nearly a decade my kids, who have grown up now, enjoyed a wonderful Kiwi lifestyle holidaying here with me, swimming, diving and fishing off a boat we kept stored just up the road.
“There’s nothing better than a barbecue on the front deck with a glass of wine, watching boating activity and friendly passersby.”
Each morning they’d walk to a nearby café in the romantic township, known for its colonial buildings.
“Sunsets across the bay are spectacular, and watching the weather roll in is part of the appeal. We’ve seen orca whales chasing stingrays along the beach right in front of the house.”
The main house revolves around an open-plan living-dining-kitchen opening out to the porch. The ensuited primary bedroom, another bedroom and another bathroom spread out on one side, with the third bedroom on the other.
You could extend this layout by removing the wall it shares with The Nest, which has one open-air park in front of its porch, living-kitchenette, bathroom and bedroom. There’s a single boatshed off Kent Street and a large backyard.
The vendor bought the property at auction in August 2001 while phone-bidding from Vietnam. Photo / Supplied
The vendor and his children have enjoyed swimming, diving and fishing off their boat for nearly a decade of living in Russell. Photo / Supplied
Justin had two sets of plans drawn up which meet the heritage requirements for the property. One would refresh the existing dwellings. The other would remove them and build anew, including creating a designer shed with overflow accommodation above it, capable of housing three cars or a couple of big boats.
Justin says he recently renovated another inherited waterfront property in Taupo and no longer gets enough use from this Russell home.
Bayleys agent Irene Bremner says: “Cherished for over 20 years, this waterfront treasure on The Strand is now ready for its next chapter – a rare opportunity to create your own legacy in Russell.”
49 The Strand in Russell, Far North, is on the market for sale by auction on November 26.
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