Port, sea views a Mission statement

Despite knowing New Plymouth well for many years, Dave had no idea of the quality views available from Mission St, above Moturoa’s suburban shops.

Dave and Sandy were still in Australia and considering retirement back in New Plymouth, when they saw the section at 5A Mission St advertised. ‘‘I thought ‘Mission St? It can’t have views like that,’’ Dave recalls.

It does. A flight across the Tasman and a site visit proved it. And that’s not too surprising, as the height here is near the western end of the ridgeline that defines the city and where its ‘‘dress circle’’ homes have been built to capitalise on the views.

The elevation gives an unrestricted outlook over Moturoa to Port Taranaki and the Sugar Loaf Islands, the coastal strip leading along to the city centre, and the curve of coastline that takes your eye up towards Tirua Point and Kawhia.

Dave was about to go away for work, prompting a quick decision. ‘‘I thought ‘this won’t last’ so we purchased it.’’

The couple checked out several builders and chose Signature Homes, which put its designer Gareth Williams on to the task of creating a home. They were rapt with the design that gave them the contemporary home they wanted, space and comfort, and perfectly framed the views.

When they moved in three years ago, they realised those views gained another dimension as night replaced day.

‘‘Night-time was something else,’’ says Dave.

‘‘It reminds me of spectacular,’’ adds Sandy.

Many seafront settings turn to blackness once night falls; here, the seafront lights up, especially when ships berth.

Up here, you can also see all sorts of weather, Dave says, often at the same time in a panorama; ‘‘rain at one end and sun at the other.’’

Turn your back on the coast and the mountain comes into focus, adding its many moods to the photo album. ‘‘It can be lit up bright orange at night as the sun sets,’’ says Dave.

It’s a captivating outlook as Dave and Sandy have noted on many occasions with visiting family or friends. ‘‘Everyone loves Singapore . . . coming here. They sit here and look out at the view, and forget to talk to you.’’

This two-storey home enhances advantages of the site’s elevation.

Simplicity is there in the flat-roof finish, and the clean lines of Nuwall aluminium and Rockcote plaster claddings. Detail has been crafted in with projecting panels and horizontal platforms that help define the two storeys and prevent any suggestion this is just a box on a hill.

Step inside the bold-red front door and you discover a refined but welcoming interior. the

The foyer is an interface for the two levels of living and introduces the neutral decor that allows new owners to easily add their own personal touches.

Downstairs are two double bedrooms and another spacious room with a kitchenette that could easily become a fourth bedroom for new owners or continue its present use as a living room. These bedrooms really focus on the outlook. ‘‘Not many downstairs bedrooms get full port and sea views,’’ Sandra says. ‘‘Our daughter loves it; she can sit in bed and look out at the view.’’

There’s also a family bathroom down here with a full-size bath, and a generous internal-access double garage.

Two of the lower rooms open out to Dave’s manicured green lawn created after they purchased a portion of the property below to give them extra level ground and future-proof their views.

Dave retained the lawn area, but harboured other tempting thoughts at the time. ‘‘In all honesty, I thought about an infinity pool instead of the retaining wall,’’ he admits. That’s a project new owners may wish to take up.

Up is where life really starts in this home. At present, you take the stairs to reach the main living areas. But a lift shaft was incorporated in the build to futureproof life here and it would be a simple upgrade to replace the downstairs storage space and upstairs office nook with the convenience and ease of a lift.

Upstairs, those stunning views impress on all sides thanks to a dash of architectural flair. Two long windows sit high into the back corner of the lounge and frame a perfect picture of Taranaki’s graceful mountain slopes. And the low window along the back of the kitchen bench means the harbour and sea become the splashback.

Sandra saw the concept in showhomes in Australia and loved the idea. ‘‘Especially with the view; why waste it for a coloured piece of glass.’’

The living areas of kitchen, dining and lounge are one pleasing open-plan space, with sliding doors that open wide to the hardwood deck where glass secures the edge without cutting the views. The corner window of the lounge looks west to the peak of Paritutu Rock as well as the port.

The master bedroom suite on this level boasts a corner window with a view of Mt Taranaki in its near full-height frame. A walk-in wardrobe and a luxurious ensuite complete the comforts in here.

Gleaming tiles cover the floors of the ensuite, family bathroom and kitchen. The grey-and-white pattern is like the sea washing up on sand, Sandra says. Underfloor heating adds comfort to them.

TSB Realty consultant Jane Simonson says this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. ‘‘There’s nothing like it on the market just now, it has to be seen to be appreciated.’’ It’s a special place, she emphasises, a home that is also a holiday escape. ‘‘With a home like this, you don’t need to go anywhere else.’’