LOVE ISLAND

The living is easy in this Waiheke home, and so was the build, writes DONNA FLEMING

David O’Brien’s and Jane Power’s house on Waiheke Island combines the Wow! factor with being practical and comfortable.

“We are so happy with how it turned out,” says carpenter David..

The two-storey home occupies an elevated spot in Oneroa. It was built by David and penned by architect Geoff Ward.

“I’ve used Geoff before and we left things very much in his court,” says David. “We tweaked a couple of things but we really loved what he came up with — it was fantastic.”

Geoff flipped traditional layout and put the living areas on the top level. The large open plan space includes an awardwinning Mal Corboy kitchen with a granite bench top in a turtle shell pattern and European appliances, including a steam oven.

“We actually bought the kitchen before we built the house,” says David. “I was working with Mal on another property and he had this kitchen in a showroom.

“I loved the fact that it was so different and not a typical allwhite kitchen. The colours are fantastic, they really suit an island home.”

A sitting area is next to the kitchen, the main living space is at the other end, and the partly covered wrap-around deck is effectively an outdoor room.

Downstairs are three bedrooms, study, family bathroom and laundry. The master bedroom includes a huge en suite and walk-in wardrobe, plus a loggia that houses a spa pool.

“The loggia was Geoff’s idea

“We actually bought the kitchen before we built the house.”

— we said we wanted a spa and he came up with this deck,” says David.

The striking entrance way to the home showcases the cast-insitu concrete used inside and out.

It was poured into moulds made of 250mm wide wooden planks, which gives it an eyecatching texture that works well with other materials.

The interior design was Jane’s domain — and she did a spectacular job, says David. Better yet, they got through the whole process — their first together — without any disagreements.

“We did not have a single argument. We agreed on everything. Jane has got a great eye and is amazing with colour.

“We have loved every minute of living in this house, but we’ve got a few other things we’d like to pursue.”

Says agent Harry Howe from Ray White: “Newly built homes of this quality and location rarely come to the market on Waiheke, so we’re optimistic that potential buyers will appreciate what’s on offer.” Sale: Auction February 8

Contact: Harry Howe, Ray White, 021 0278 1618; Helen Smith, 022 036 1844