RIDE THE WAVE
Life’s a beach at this luxurious Mt Maunganui mansion, which is particularly popular come holiday time, finds LOUISE RICHARDSON
MOUNT MAUNGANUI 235A Oceanbeach Road 5 3 3
The owners of this spectacular three-level Mt Maunganui beachside mansion with its dramatic, sweeping sea views had a clear message for Brendon Gordon Architects, in Tauranga, when it came to their initial design brief.
“Above all, we wanted it to be ‘beachfront appropriate’,” they say. “And it needed to be as timeless as possible, so in 20 years from now it will still look contemporary.”
That message clearly resonated with the architect, because the resulting home is a stunning masterpiece of modern design, offering 390sq m of easy-going, coastalchic living space, expertly constructed by Gudsell Builders.
Designed for family life and regular entertaining, the designer kitchen, with its butler’s pantry and top-end appliances is on the second level of the home, along with ample dining and living space. Prospective buyers can get a good feel for this part of the property via a virtual open home tour.
An enormous three-sided courtyard is perfect for al fresco dining and there’s a built-in gas barbecue, plus outdoor heating and lighting.
The principal suite is on the top floor and it’s the ultimate in luxury. The en suite bathroom is large — with a free-standing bath — while the dressing room is a fashionista’s dream space, and the bedroom itself has its own balcony and fabulous views.
While it enjoys its special vistas, the home is also very private — hidden well back from the street, and only really visible from certain points on the surrounding sand dunes.
“It’s also unusual in the fact that it has its own driveway, beyond electric gates,” say the owners.
They add that this is a very friendly area, although many of their closest neighbours don’t live permanently at the Mount. “When they’re here, it’s always really nice to have a beer and a catch-up.”
Added to the mix is a downstairs flat or rumpus, with four bunk beds and a tilt-down double bed. “When our children were teenagers this was one of the most popular places in holiday times — especially at New Year,” say the owners, who have loved their experience here so much, they’re preparing to do it all over again on another spectacular piece of land.
“This is a really great spot; you’re close to Bayfair Shopping Centre, the golf course and to surf clubs — plus there’s a very good fish and chip shop in the neighbourhood.”
Kay Ganley from Bayleys, Mt Maunganui, says that it is completely impossible to find fault with this high-quality property, where attention has been lavished on every single detail. “We’re getting lots of international interest, and I’m really not surprised.”
She says that some more notable aspects are the lawn, which remains vivid green all year around, thanks to the property’s private bore, and the wood fire and central heating — although the house is so energyefficient, they’re rarely needed.
An added feature is the larger-than-usual lift, which connects all three levels. The owners have a disabled family member whose needs have been taken carefully into account. Sale: Tender closes August 13 Contact: Kay Ganley, Bayleys, 027 280 5686
“This is a really great spot; you’re close to Bayfair Shopping Centre, the golf course and to surf clubs — plus there’s a very good fish and chip shop in the neighbourhood.”