Coastal appeal

Just step outside to check the surf

A tall handrail at the end of the deck is just the right height to lean on and gaze out over the grassy valley below Mark’s lifestyle setting at 271 Lower Weld Rd. The elevated outlook is peaceful and inspirational. ‘‘I can stand here in the evening and look up the valley and feel like I’m king of the castle,’’ Mark says with a smile.

The outlook varies with the angle of the sun. ‘‘The light changes at different times of the day.’’

Farming activities add extra interest. On this late afternoon moment, the neighbouring herd gathers on the far side of the ; valley ready for the walk along the race to milking.

Mark built his home here on the back boundary of his land to take advantage of the setting and its outlook. That was in 2006, but he’d owned the property for five years and initially built a large 16m-by-8m implement and storage shed in which he lived while planning the house.

The coastal location and mostly flat fertile setting, just five minutes from Oakura, warranted Mark’s investment. ‘‘I was a coastal boy and when I came back from Australia I looked for land around here.’’

The two acres here was originally a nut farm, covered in chestnut and walnut trees. Mark cleared most of them to create the lifestyle property he wanted, keeping just a few as part of the landscape.

The location near the seaward end of Weld Rd suited the former surfer. ‘‘I can walk over to the fence and look down to see the surf break; it’s just over a kilometre to the beach.’’

Mark’s work as a fencing contractor is demanding. ‘‘But I can drive in here at the end of the day and feel my shoulders just relax. There’s a magnetic quality about the place.’’

The house he designed emphasises that appeal with a central deck and two wings that angle out like outstretched arms to embrace the setting and sun. He had a handy start on his vision. ‘‘Mum and Dad had plans for building a home at Tikorangi overlooking the ocean. This is a bigger version.’’

Natural materials were a serious focus for Mark and he’s happy with the way the macrocarpa boards that he chose to clad the home have weathered to a silver-grey. A sawmiller recommended macrocarpa and pointed to a

100-year-old shed clad in it that was still in good condition. ‘‘That sold me on the mac.’’

Inside, the floor plan simple and effective.

The living areas are openplan, with the kitchen in a central position and the dining and lounge spaces angled out each side. There’s an easy flow out through bifolding doors in the kitchen and French doors in the lounge to the sun-drenched deck. That makes entertaining easy, Mark says. ‘‘I’ve had a band on the deck with a garden party on the lawn. And the shed has seen a few good shindigs.’’

If a party here becomes a little enthusiastic, it’s unlikely to disturb neighbours; the closest are probably at least

200m away. ‘‘The neighbours are awesome, but you just don’t know they are there. That’s the beauty of this place; privacy.’’

Two double bedrooms and the family bathroom are along the hallway behind the kitchen and lounge. The master bedroom and ensuite enjoy a pleasing separation off the dining area. The integrated garage is at the back of the house off the spacious foyer entry.

Near the shed are raised vege beds that can add a measure of is self-sufficiency. Mark has also raised a couple of beefies on the pasture over the years.

The setting suits a variety of gardening or small-farming activities. ‘‘It’s got a real microclimate. The wind can be howling two or three kilometres away and here there’s not a breath. This is protected from the southerlies by the ranges.’’

Bird life is prolific. Pheasants and quail strut across the lawns, and a lone bantam fends for itself around the property.

‘‘It’s a piece of paradise, most definitely. They don’t make land like this any more.’’