Hilltop holiday haven
Multi- level house makes the most of Coromandel views and relaxed lifestyle, finds Donna McIntyre
Sue Rowell says many holidaymakers who come to Hahei like to live down on the flat, close to the beach. “But we love being on the hill with the views. It is still easy to get to the beach; we have a walkway across the road that goes down to the beach and it is only a six- minute walk.
“When we are here we go to the beach, we kayak . . . We walk to Cathedral Cove and I love the two bays before Cathedral Cove — Stingray and Gemstone. Gemstone has a snorkeling trail and feeding stations for the fish.”
Sue and husband Grant’s holiday home is built over five half- levels to make the most of the views as well as providing lots of living spaces, indoors, and out.
That elevated site provides 360 degree views out to the Mercury Islands, Mahurangi Island in the bay, the beach, and the pa site at the end of the beach.
“And then we look right up the valley. Behind us we have lovely pine forests,” says Sue.
The purpose- built home was designed by architect Brent Hulena — also responsible for the family’s house in Kohimarama — with a huge input from Grant, whose background is in construction and architecture.
Originally the site had a log cabin that the couple, then based in Auckland, bought 22 years ago. They builtd new in 2007.
She says the solid concrete block Mediterranean home is a design typical of the architect.
“And Grant wanted negative detailing around the windows and doors, full height doors, higher than normal ceilings, and the blinds and curtains are recessed into the ceiling so you don’t see the tracks.”
On the top level is the roof deck with its terrace sun lounge that has bifold doors and glass on three sides.
Next level down has the main bedroom, powder
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71 GRANGE RD, HAHEI SIZE: PRICE: INSPECT:
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NEAREST SCHOOLS: CONTACT: ON THE WEB: room and office. A half level accommodates the main living, kitchen ( with granite benchtops, walkin pantry and European appliances including Miele wall mounted coffee machine), dining, lounge and winter lounge.
With one daughter living in New York and the other in Auckland, the family is not using the beach house as often and feel it’s time to move on.
The couple would like to sell the home fully furnished.
“The furniture looks magnificent in the house,” says Sue.