Time to sit back and relax
A waterfront site and views make this home ideal for leaving your worries at the door, writes Sandra Goodwin
Liz and James Egan feel no need to own a holiday home as they leave the outside world behind every time they step into their waterfront home. James says: “I’ve been known to spend days on end here and not go out. The views are magnificent and it feels like such a special, relaxing place to be.”
Fifteen years ago the Egans were living in Botany and all set to buy land and build when a real estate agent suggested they check out this property. They walked in, saw the sparkling water views that still beguile them 15 years on and decided they could develop this quietly- set home into something special.
In between making the most of the home’s lockup- and- leave nature by travelling, they’ve improved it into a premium haven they share with cats Princess and Jessie. The outlook from big wrap- around decks, multiple living areas and bedrooms over the Tamaki Estuary to the harbour entices at every turn.
Liz says: “We watch wind- surfers and kitesurfers, ferries, yacht races and rowing competitions. All our lovely neighbours have seen orcas, dolphins and stingrays sunbathing at the bottom of the cliff although I always seem to miss them.”
The Egans say their outlook is magical whatever the season or the weather, proffering uplifting sunrises and glorious sunsets.
James says: “I like nothing better than watching the drama of a good storm out there. It makes you feel so alive.”
The two- level brick and cedar home is in a quiet cul- de- sac close to St Kentigern College, Half Moon Bays shops and cafes and the ferry service 35- minutes from Auckland Central.
Liz paints and is passionate about interior design, having studied it herself and got advice from Trove Design for much of the decor.
Smoked and oiled American oak floors greet visitors in the spacious foyer. The couple united separate rooms into a continuous open- plan spread which opens to vastly extended decks.
There’s a formal dining room near the light- filled family room with gas fire and built- in sound system. Liz sits in a big cane chair here every morning reading the newspaper and soaking up the view.
The adjoining entertainers’ kitchen is classically elegant with granite benches and splash- back and display cabinetry.
Entertaining is often al fresco, such as a Christmas celebration where 20- plus people dined
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on long trestle tables on the side deck.
A second front lounge looks out to the grounds, which include level lawns and terraced gardens designed by a landscaper for the coastal conditions.
James, who is the chairman of a family business, often works from home in his impeccably appointed office that could be a fourth bedroom.
However, they’ve decided to move closer to grandchildren on the other side of Auckland.