SUNKISSED BEAUTY
This big, Brent Hulena-designed beach house still feels new and contemporary, the owners tell LEIGH BRAMWELL
OMAHA 7 Paraone Place
Deck, lawn, dunes, sand, sea and Little Barrier Island — in that order — are the elements that comprise the view from a beach house designed for a couple who had never planned to build a house in New Zealand.
“It was a random decision,” owner Catherine asserts. ” We had a place in Turangi because my husband liked to fish, but I always thought it was too far to go and anyway I wanted to be on the beach.”
That random decision led to the purchase a decade ago of a 1086sq m site at 7 Paraone Place, Omaha and what may have been a dream brief for architect Brent Hulena — ‘‘We just want to be able to clean our teeth and look at the sea.’’
“It must have been the easiest build ever, because we weren’t here so they just got on with it. The architect and the builders were the dream team, delivering on time without any problems.
“We still have a really good relationship with all the tradies and people who were involved.”
In addition to sea views and teeth-cleaning facilities, the family got six bedrooms, four bathrooms and superb living spaces — ideal for the lifestyle they envisaged.
They wanted somewhere they could have lots of people to stay. “Better with 40 people in it than four” is how Catherine describes it. “It’s a party house,” she says, “perfect for socialising and entertaining.”
The oversized pivoting front door sets the scene for grand entertaining lounges at either end opening to the outdoors on two aspects. The open plan living, dining and kitchen area reaches the full width of the site. The kitchen is white and minimalist, with a cantilevered island bench 4.5m long.
“That was one thing I did want,” Catherine says.
“I like to sit there and watch the surf club set up in the morning. I used to call myself the queen of Omaha, sitting at that bench and looking out. “
The adjoining living area features an elegant long gas fire above set against a stacked limestone wall. It opens to the deck on one side and the courtyard on the other. Underfloor heating keeps concrete floors warm in winter, while louvres and high clerestory windows allow ventilation throughout without compromising security.
There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a powder room on the ground floor, and on the next level three family bedrooms and two more bathrooms, including the king size master suite.
This level enjoys splendid views across the ocean to Little Barrier, Great Barrier, Tawharanui and the Coromandel.
There is a choice of three separate outdoor areas and two outdoor fires here, and the courtyard is certainly a favourite space. It has built-in gas and wood barbecues, a saltwater pool, an outdoor fire and built-in speakers, and offers the owners unexpected privacy and security.
There have been many times when the eight-seater dining table has been carried outside to extend the entertaining space.
From the outset, the owners wanted to keep this house very simple, and Catherine says it has paid off, in a design that still feels new and contemporary. Sale: Tender March 5
Contact: Amanda Platt, NZ Sothebys International Realty, 021 756 699