If paradise is half as nice
A genuine beach house with room for multiple families sits in tranquil surrounds above Pohara Beach, a popular holiday spot and base for exploring Golden Bay.
Alittle local knowledge always comes in handy, as was the case when the Flowerday and Holland families bought a property on the hill above Pohara Beach in 1990. ‘‘We’d previously owned land across the road, and noticed this property captured the last of the setting sun. Also being more elevated one could view the sea and know whether or not to take the boat out!’’
The original house was a solid 1960s plaster building which they renovated over time, installing a new Colorsteel roof, low maintenance aluminium joinery with natural timber reveals, and recycled rimu kitchen cabinetry. They restored the rimu T&G flooring and created two huge north-facing decks totalling 118 square metres, including macrocapra copper capped bollards and slab seating inserts. This sense of relaxed openness is replicated indoors with its two huge bedrooms, a meezzanine floor and sleepout, open chapel-type ceiling and warm natural timbers. Preparing and sharing food can be either from the kitchen or BBQ. Either way there’d probably be fish on the menu. They describe life here as ‘‘one of inertia and book reading in between cooking, barbecuing, fishing, swimming, kayaking, walks, art and craft shopping and coffees’’.
The property occupies a rise overlooking the valley to the sea, ‘‘where one could well imagine a whare sat back in the day.’’
It’s quiet and private, on a no exit road with a Takaka stone outcrop behind and the beach, cafe and shop only 450 metres away. Takaka township is less than 12 km away. The sun rises in the master bedroom, tracks around the kitchen-dining areas and all day along the lounge and verandah – setting in the lounge and the second bedroom.
The birdlife brings great enjoyment, with visits from tui, kereru, piwakawaka and quail families – an enjoyment captured in the stained glass window depicting the kereru, hills, beach and sea.
There’s a boat shed around seven metres long; also moorings 2km away at Port Tarakohe.
‘‘It’s been an awesome place for extended families to enjoy time together, and a great base for discovering Golden Bay. It was a fantastic holiday place for the children when they were young, and as they got older a base for summer holidays all together including friends and family.’’ With most of the children now living out of the area and one of the owners retiring, it’s time for a new family, and obviously has rental potential.
The families may be leaving – but they’re taking some magnificent memories. ‘‘You sense the slowing down and re-balancing of your life as you arrive. Nestled in a sheltered micro climate, it’s an amazing place to share good times together.’’