Sunday Star-Times

Be king of your own Omaha castle

Sitting high on the hill at the southern end of Omaha Beach, this stunning property is the “best of the best” writes Juliet McGhie.

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Let’s write a wish list for a dream coastal property.

First up is 9.5 hectares of beautifull­y landscaped north-facing land.

Add in a vineyard of Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Gris vines that produce their own wines under the Hinemoa Estate Omaha Beach label.

Then add a stunning architectu­ral home of more than 930 square metres with marble floors throughout, high vaulted ceilings in the main living areas, and an entertaine­r’s kitchen.

But wait, there’s more! The four bedroom, six bathroom house has three separate living areas, an office, entertainm­ent room, sewing room, wine cellar, indoor Infinity pool, two spas, a sauna, gym and tennis court ad putting green.

The master suite occupies its own wing of the house with its own separate lounge, spa, en suite bathroom and dressing room.

Built by Bill and Sharron Abraham, visitors to Hinemoa Estate enter via a private gated road and are greeted by panoramic views taking in Omaha Bay, Ti Point, Leigh, Cape Rodney, Tawharanui and Takatu Point.

The couple have been in the area since the mid-1980s, originally at Snells Beach before buying their first house at Omaha Beach in 1989.

“We originally purchased this block in 1997,” Bill says. “The main reasons were the outstandin­g views and having somewhere quiet and peaceful to live.

“Sharron was also keen to design a house with all the essentials for the family to enjoy when they visit. We had the house built and designed in two stages, starting in 2000 before completing the house in 2004 and moving in.”

The landscapin­g was a major task with a landscaper on the property for a year planting and designing various stages of the grounds. The end result is a remarkable feature of the property.

“We planted 7500 vines in 2005. It was hard work but they add to the wonderful setting. I don’t think there would be too many vineyards with a much better outlook,” Bill says.

“I think the best memories we will take away from this property are the wonderful family times we have had over the years, especially with the grandchild­ren,” Sharron says.

“The house faces north so we see some amazing sunrises. At sunset the sea in the bay turns pink and the sky looks like it is on fire. The night views are also spectacula­r,” she adds. “The best thing about the house is everything functions well. Our main living area walks straight through to the indoor heated swimming pool and spa, gym and steam room, which gets plenty of use.”

The couple now intend to spend more time on the Sunshine Coast, or enjoying the odd cruise.

“We will really miss all the amazing features of this wonderful property, and waking up every day to such a stunning outlook. But it will be a privilege to pass this on for a new owner to enjoy.”

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