The house that grew with family is ready for new memories

February 29, 2024 – how about this for a Leap Year proposal? A beachfront property at Whangamata’s popular quieter end in Pohutukawa Crescent. This is absolute beachfront –sand and sea on the doorstep – the sound of waves to wake up to and the joy of having the estuary around the corner for other water recreation.

This property hasn’t been on the market for 55 years; the family pride and joy of its owners.

It grew as children grew – expanded, adapted and became an invitation to bring extended family and friends into the fold to share good times together.

Two levels give precious space for significant numbers and privacy at the same time. Seven bedrooms, two bathrooms and well-appointed kitchens on each level. It is brilliant. Open-plan living on both levels maximises the space and links outside. Upstairs has a balcony off the dining area to enjoy an elevated outlook of the incredible vista. Downstairs slips out to a sundrenched beachfront patio, while the balcony above offers a cooler corner to sit in the shade.

Clever use of space downstairs has created a family room. It’s the party room – with a patio for the afternoon barbecue; catching the last rays of the day from the evening sun.

But in the wait-there’s-more cliché – this property shows how garage space can be utilised for further recreational fun. Carpeted for comfort and with ranchsliders at the side, it makes another space for teenagers.

As photos show – the boat can sit to one side, leaving plenty of room on the other side for a vehicle - classic or otherwise. Right now, however, this area is set up with a pool table and sofas. Extended storage at the rear allows stacking for the kayaks and boards; workshop space and room for the bikes as well.

This place has been set up superbly for crowds and fun times together.

And when the spill-overs arrive – there’s space on the lawn for the camper van and jet skis. Tents can go on the lawn on the beachfront – grabbing the best spot for that first surf in the morning, when the swell is at its best. Afterwards, it’s a mere hop and a skip around the corner for coffee, takeaways and ice cream at the local store.

Bayleys’ Gordon Mcgregor and Dale Sholson know this part of Whangamata well. Properties are tightly held – and for good reason. Both agree that this property has a rich history – and, while the owners will miss their holiday home; it’s time to pass it on and let a new family make new memories.