Herald homes of the year: Waiheke property ideal place to live

The location provides breathtaking views of the sea by day, and at night the city lights are clearly visible. Photo / Ted Baghurst

Herald Homes real estate editor Penny Lewis shares her favourite homes listed this year

A roaring fire, glittering city lights and a private balcony make this magnificent home, originally published on June 2, the ideal location to spend nights on Waiheke Island.

This plantation-style home sits above the coastline in Church Bay, and overlooks Motukaha Island, the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland.

The location provides breathtaking views of the sea by day, and at night the city lights are clearly visible. It was these views which inspired the current owners, David Parkinson and Dee Crawford, to purchase the 13.7ha property.

The couple tore down the property's original house, and recycled its materials into the current one. The design was based on the luxury lodge Kauri Cliffs, in Matauri Bay, Northland. The couple felt Kauri Cliffs' lie of the land was similar to theirs and they appreciated how the resort's buildings sat perfectly on the landscape.

The home's layout has the ground level centred on the family living area, with an alfresco dining area and kitchen, a conservatory, and indoor heated swimming pool with home theatre. Also at the ground level is a self-contained wing with four bedrooms, kitchenette lounge and home theatre/media room. On the upper level is David and Dee's suite with bedroom, private balcony, kitchenette and concealed room (the snug space is perfect on a wintry night, with the fire roaring and a bottle of syrah from the cellar), and his-and-hers dressing rooms and en suites.

Also, for friends and colleagues staying overnight, there is guest accommodation above the four-car garage. The attached 2.42ha vineyard grows syrah, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot gris, which the couple turned into their signature wines in the boutique basement winery.

No expense has been spared in the build from the bulk insulated concrete construction, chosen for its environmental sustainability, through to the Vantage home automation system, the French oak flooring and cabinetry befitting the property's wine-producing role, and the bathrooms' limestone seashell tiles.

205 Church Bay Rd

Waiheke Island
Six bedrooms, seven bathrooms; four car garage.

Size: Land 13.9ha, house (approx) 1800sq m.

Price indication: Still to be sold, offers expected in the low- to mid-$20 million range.

School zones: Te Huruhi Primary, Waiheke High School (includes intermediate years).

Features: Luxury waterfront estate overlooking Church Bay, including a new home and 2.42ha vineyard. Swimming pool and home theatre. There is a self-contained wing with four bedrooms, the master bedroom suite upstairs and guest accommodation above the four-car garage.