Lock, stock and barrel offers summer fun near sea and sand
Rwwhangamata.co.nz/ ID: WHA30040
If knowing how to ‘read the room’ allows insight into any given situation, then just read the blackboard hanging on the dining room wall in this home. It’s a clear indication of the fun times, carefree attitude and close connections that have occurred here over the years.
This has been a family bach since it was built back in 1990 when life in Whangamata was simple; summers were endless and life revolved around families, friends and fun. With summer just around the corner and life still on a constant roundabout, there’s no better time to introduce a new chapter in this property’s journey.
Given Avenue is a popular area in Whangamata. This is the south end of the beach – handy walks to the sand and surf when the swell’s up, or down to the estuary if kayaking is more in order. The
Estuary Store and Takeaways is a popular haunt among locals – coffee catch-ups after a surf in the morning, fish and chips or burgers in the evening after a stroll along the beach.
This bach soaks it all up – northerly and easterly aspects streaming in the sun and glimpses towards the top of bush-clad hills across the estuary. The home revels in the glorious simplicity of its era – what you see is what you get. And that includes most of the furniture and chattels – right to the retro utensil set hanging on the wall above the stove. Classic. Semi, open-plan living tucks the kitchen behind the lounge. A breakfast bar on one side serves the dining corner, while a sliding door on the other side moves into the laundry and back-door exit. Standard design of its day – this home also includes a separate toilet by the bathroom for family convenience.
Ranchslider in the lounge slips outside to a verandah deck before stepping down to the alfresco corner. While screens - draped in wisteria - give privacy from the road, this home has an open invitation for neighbours to wave while passing by or drop in and join the party.
A separate garage sits out the back and boasts a consented toilet and hand basin. Particularly handy when the crowds arrive for those summer barbecues and volleyball on the back lawn, or hooping the basketball. A garden shed also frees up space in the garage for the mower, bikes and boards.
There are obvious options here to renovate the place, take it to the next level or consider a new home. That would be a shame. This property exudes all the aspects that drew throngs to Whangamata back in the day when it was a holiday destination focused on simplicity, sun and surf.