Chic renovation amid entertainment all around Oceandowns

Keeping pace with the times, this home might retain its sentimental memory of Mt Maunganui’s old Baypark race track, thanks to the Oceandowns’ location – but that’s as far as it goes. Renovation inside has instilled hints of an upmarket apartment – clever accents paying homage to this coastal area. The brick and tile construction typifies the era in which homes in this enclave were developed. It also highlights the longevity of the materials. It’s the interior that catches the eye – particularly the family hub. Scandinavian influences are evident in the kitchen, with its bank of light woodgrain cabinetry. Units are full height to eliminate the dust trap. Black handles blend nicely with the dark grouting in the brick-stacked appeal of the splashback. The black accent continues with the rest of the kitchen, with white units and light stone engineered counters. Keeping this side of the kitchen open without any further wall cabinetry enhances the sense of space too. The inset finish on the breakfast bar introduces hints of palm-line avenues down to the beach which is soothing. It also offers easy serving to the dining area and outdoors to the patio. Practical, light woodgrain flooring continues the Scandinavian trend, while the barn door in the lounge follows today’s approach for this rustic recreation of apartment lofts. Vertical pole slats are the final feature – just enough division from the lounge to the kitchen, but keeping a connection at the same time. The office nook is also brilliant.

With spring here and longer, warmer days, the alfresco setting offers an enticing invitation. Stamped concrete and stone gardens make for an easy-care sun-trap and charming place to add personality with potted colour and garden artwork. This courtyard also has a convenient entry from the driveway for visitors. The black, fern gate is probably the only hint from the street that this place boasts individual personality.

This aspect is also evident in the bathrooms. Where the ensuite features a designer dark woodgrain vanity and black tapware, the main bathroom changes the mood with its tiling. The vanity and tapware are the same, but the scalloped tiling is a gorgeous reflection of the ocean – marine tones blending nicely with the white backdrop and light woodgrain flooring. The approach throughout this home offers different moods, thanks to the smart choice of tiling, flooring and colour accents. White is the continuous thread, but it’s the way each room speaks with its own voice that makes this home so inviting. It’s also important to note how close this is to everywhere. A bus stop is around the corner to take a short trip down to Bayfair to the cinema, shops, restaurants and aquatic centre. The new Baypark is also handy. Down the road on the other side is the local supermarket, café and pub at The Coast. The beach is nearby. This is the heart of it all.