Eco-retreat with protected bush and ocean views
A hand-built luxury eco-lodge in the beachside settlement of Waihi, complete with panoramic ocean views, protected bush, and a helipad, has been placed on the market for a cool $3.2 million.
Manawa Ridge Luxury Eco Retreat, set on 8.44ha of lifestyle land at 263E Ngatitangata Road, Waihi , is being marketed for sale by Karl Davis and Lee Carter of Bayleys Hamilton.
‘‘Gaining priceless 360-degree views over Waihi Beach, the Pacific Ocean and the Coromandel Coast, the Manawa Ridge lodge spans approximately 500sqm atop the Manawa ridgeline,’’ said Davis.
‘‘Manawa aptly means heart, patience or breathe, drawing on the natural peace and tranquility of the property and its position.’’
Owners Willem and Carla van de Veen have run the adobe-style green retreat, which draws inspiration from famous architect Antoni Gaudi’s works, for more than a decade after falling in love with the hilltop site on a coastal walk 19 years ago.
Construction on the unique five-bedroom residence began in 2002 using environmentally friendly materials such as recycled native timber, adobe brick, and straw bales.
It took seven years to complete and balances the use of energyefficient materials with more creative elements injected by owner and resident artist, Carla.
The property is heated by a woodfire with various artworks and furniture adding a warm, natural ambience aided by underfloor heating throughout.
It has a master suite, additional bedroom and office plus three guest suites, each with an ensuite bathroom, private courtyard and pebble-skinned spa bath.
There is also a turret hideaway with views of Homunga Bay, and a unique Frenchinspired underground wine cellar.
‘‘The living areas boast double-height native timber ceilings which open out to a formal dining area and the large U-shaped kitchen which is the hub of the home,’’ said Carter.
Currently zoned for lifestyle use, the property has two paddocks, fertile Waihi Ash soil, and fencing around the perimeter and the boundary to the bush.
Water to the property is supplied by a spring-fed stream with an easement in place for use for the home. There are two 25,000L tanks for storage with 32mm waterlines.
A QEII covenant on the bush on the property provides permanent protection of the area for threatened native fauna and birdlife.
There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area: hiking through the Karangahake Gorge, mountain biking in Coromandel Forest Park, the Hauraki Rail Trail also runs along SH2 from Waihi, and Homunga Bay which is noted for its dense po¯ hutukawa forest, seclusion and beach-front waterfall.
Manawa Ridge has amassed an impressive local reputation, gaining five-star reviews on TripAdvisor with guests commenting on the property’s special position and beautiful design.
‘‘There is a stunning walk to Homunga Bay right on your back doorstep’’ Carter said.
‘‘While the home has been used as a lodge, it lends itself as a stunning private residence or holiday home given the spectacular hillside position and intimate architectural detailing.’’