STUNNING SEA VIEWS
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Craig Waymouth says one of the things he likes most about his home town of Muriwai is that most residents live there permanently. “It means that we have a very active community year-round, and it doesn’t get overly crowded at holiday time.” When he decided 13 years ago to build a family home there, Craig engaged celebrated architect Simon Carnachan, tasking him with creating something truly special on a generous north-facing site, surrounded by native bush and just minutes away from the beach.
“I know some people can find architects a bit overbearing, but Simon and I had a great relationship from the start.
“We’d each suggest things, then work together to see if they were feasible,” says Craig.
“I’d say that we really ‘got’ each other, and that made it a very satisfying process.”
The result is a stunning home that’s at one with nature in every respect. In the capacious main kitchen, living and dining areas, huge glass walls can be pushed out of sight, opening up this part of the house to a sheltered central courtyard and grassed areas outside.
This design boosts living space — especially in summer, when the indoor/outdoor flow really comes into its own. In winter, the glass helps to retain the sun’s energy inside, leaving little need for heating.
“I actually often describe the house as being mainly just roof and floor,” says Craig. “Because essentially, that’s true.”
Needless to say, the kitchen tends to be the centre of action. It was designed to be classic and timeless, with warm colours inspired by nature blending seamlessly with the immediate greenery outside and the sea beyond.
The living and dining areas are light, bright and airy and high ceilings make the inner walls an ideal gallery for Craig’s favourite artworks.
The cedar weatherboard house has an interesting approach to the main front door — along a long path made of decking.
The dwelling is set over three levels, with a dramatic aluminium-clad ‘tower’ in which lies the home office, with its fantastic sea views.
There are three big bedrooms, two of which have en suites. There’s a family bathroom and media room. Downstairs is a spacious laundry, along with an impressive amount of basement storage space.
As in the living spaces the general decor here is cool, crisp, and neutral, chosen carefully for its relaxing properties.
In many ways Craig really doesn’t want to leave his dream home, but he’s come to accept that he needs something smaller.
He says that everything about this friendly seaside settlement is perfect in terms of amenities and lifestyle.
“I love walking here, and of course swimming in the sea.”
Though Craig’s not a golfer, he says the local course — which is virtually on his doorstep — is very popular. There’s a cafe and general store in Muriwai itself.
“But I tend to do grocery shopping as I’m passing through the bigger places nearby, such as Waimauku,” he says. “You just need to be organised.”
Craig’s son was active in the surf life-saving team during his teens, and the headquarters is the major residents’ hub in town.
Other organisations, such as the volunteer fire brigade, also appeal to those who want to be fully involved in local life.
Craig says that Muriwai’s gannet colony is a mustsee, and adds that it isn’t uncommon to see whales and dolphins frolicking in the sea.
“All of this, and we’re just 50 minutes from Auckland Airport, if you get a good clear run.
“Who could ask for anything more?”