Seaside sensation
‘‘In days gone by people had one or two cushions that were very much toned in with their sofas, whereas now accessorising with cushions is fun and creative.’’ Helen McKenzie
This totally private and highly desirable property makes the most of its wrap-around views from its commanding position on Panorama Road and has been totally transformed from its 1970 origins.
So perfect was the position that the owners didn’t even give the house itself a second glance when they bought the property.
Having then secured that perfect position, with views across Sumner to the Kaikouras, the owners spent the next 26 years crafting a superlative home and separate guest house.
Set within beautifully landscaped grounds, this is where you can serenely contemplate a life decidedly less busy just 20
minutes from the central city.
Entry to the house is across a large, sheltered courtyard surrounded by lush plantings; just one of many outdoor entertaining areas within the grounds.
Inside, the quality of interior design and detailing is immediately evident, starting with the herringbone American oak flooring and the double-height ceiling in one of three living areas.
From the quality materials, including the marble in the bathrooms and the fixtures of the designer kitchen, to the ambience of the wood fires, this immaculately presented home is easy to love.
Beautifully positioned for the sun, there are four sets of French doors opening from the living, lounge, dining and kitchen areas, to the wide, columned patio with its wisteria clad pergola overhead.
Beyond that, the English-styled gardens with their boxed hedging, symmetry and specimen trees, which include at the home’s entrance a pair of magnificent giant Burmese honeysuckles.
These botanical grounds are what happens when you partner a very talented gardener with a great eye and the sheer force of time.
When you’re not taking in the view from the house and gardens, you can enjoy it from the inground pool with its surrounding entertaining area or large areas of flat lawn. These are outdoor entertaining areas at their absolute best, offering several options.
There is little, if anything, that has been forgotten in creating communal spaces inside and out that have all been positioned to enjoy the sun and views.
Practicalities like the separate laundry with its own door to the utility area outside and a flower room, which provides a useful space for food and wine storage when entertaining, are all present and correct here, as is the ducted and underfloor heating.
Up the stairs, with their bespoke balustrade and clever semi-circle design, is a library leading to an office/sunroom space with bifold doors to the balcony, cabinetry in African rosewood and a hidden kitchenette.
The adjacent main bedroom is of generous proportions and, like almost every room in this house, enjoys the superb views.
Here you can dispense with the alarm clock and replace it with the wake-up call of native bird song.
In the evening those same birds will be punctually and neatly assembled to sing you their evensong.
The large ensuite includes a free-standing European-style bath as well as a shower and there is a good-sized walk-in wardrobe and dressing area.
Two further bedrooms also open to the north-facing balcony and views and are serviced by a family bathroom and separate toilet.
The separate, self-contained one-bedroom apartment has been designed and decorated to a similarly high standard, with its own private balcony and views.
It has proved to be a popular Airbnb for the current owners and offers a useful passive income.
It’s also an ideal place to park overnight guests or accommodate boomerang children who believe home is where the heart is, along with the on-site caterer, laundry service and anything else that make up the comforts of home without the expense.
Unlike many properties on the hill, this one comes with easy
drive-on access, triple garaging and off-street parking.
The garaging offers a comprehensive storage system as well as a clean-up area.
Positioned to enjoy all the delights of the popular seaside community of Sumner, this uniquely beautiful property puts you right in the middle of a relaxed, beachy lifestyle with all the cafes, restaurants, boutique retail and services close at hand.
When you’re ready for a property that doesn’t involve being cheek by jowl with other people, doesn’t include the constant hum of city traffic and is breathtakingly beautiful, then this is the one you should have.
Scheduled to go under the hammer in less than a month, a prior offer may just take it off the market, which makes today a perfect day to head to the seaside.