Coutts barges away old house

Russell Coutts' supreme nautical skills were again on display this week when he shipped a homestead by barge off his sprawling seaside section.

Coutts is building a multi-million-dollar mansion across three prime sections at Tindalls Beach on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, complete with outdoor tennis and basketball courts and private beach access.

He bought the properties for $7.7 million and the final bill for "Barley Station Residence" could make it one of New Zealand's most expensive homes.

The final remaining house was hoisted onto a barge on Monday, a neighbour said.

Plans showed the champion yachtsman's new home would have extensive windows on the north to allow light and heat in, and a less exposed south side.

Auckland Council investigations found nobody was adversely affected by the rebuilding plans, and the new home's design was in line with the neighbourhood's existing character.

The council was keen to limit intensive development in the area, to avoid overwhelming the local infrastructure. Although big, Barley Station would not appear obtrusive, council papers said. Local iwi were consulted and had no problems with the new house.

The neighbourhood is not all flash and glam - a public toilet borders the property, and Auckland Council confirmed this week the lavatories were staying put.