Greet the dawn of opportunity

A spectacular coastal location with sweeping sea and hill views awaits someone with vision and passion.

It took sharp-eyed Nick on board Endeavour to spot landfall at Te Kuri a Paoa, named Young Nick’s Head by Captain Cook in 1769. More than 200 years later, other keen eyes spotted the marvellous potential of a coastal property with an inspirational view of Young Nick’s Head. Ray and Avon Breingan were looking for a home in which they would marry and spend their life together. This was it. ‘‘It was so peaceful, and we wanted to create not only a home but a lifestyle focused on relaxation and socialising,’’ says Avon. ‘‘The view was there and a small cottage which we added to.’’ Biggest social event of all was their wedding on the deck on their new home. They raised four children there, and Avon recalls fond memories of family life, launching the boat to gather crayfish from Ray’s pots around the headland, collecting delicious mushrooms from the farmland behind the house, and providing their children with a very special upbringing. The home grew with the family: four bedrooms plus a large pole shed and utility sheds. It has also provided backpackers’ accommodation. Avon says: ‘‘My late husband Ray was a well-known engineer and blacksmith and his artistic flair is evident in the wrought iron features around the property along with the statue greeting you out front.’’ They planted phoenix palms across the front lawn, these are a real feature along with Ray’s art. The home has 360 degree views of sunny Poverty Bay with several surf breaks two minutes away and virtually a private beach out front. ‘‘Life here is serene to say the least, it has a relaxed beachy feel.’’ Genuine potential is hard to find these days, and although this property is liveable as is the potential to add value is huge. There are only four homes on this stretch of road, yet it’s just 7km from the town centre. Avon never tires of watching the sun rise out of the ocean, and loves both her garden and ‘‘our stretch of the sandy shore’’. They always loved entertaining and hosted many barbecues in the unique sheltered area they called the ‘Fire Pitt’. After 35 years here it is time for Avon to downsize and be close to her children and grandchildren. She says for anyone working in town, there is no better return home than here. ‘‘As soon as I turn onto our road I see Young Nick’s Head in the distance and the sea on my left. No matter what sort of day I’ve had, all stress is relieved at this sight. It beckons ‘welcome home’.’’