The sea outside Andrew Lidgard's beachfront house is almost close enough to touch.
There's lawn and then the long stretch of sand that is Takapuna Beach, and beyond is Rangitoto with its ever-changing vista depending on the weather.
"When you get a heavy rain and the tide's out then you get this mirror effect and you can see Rangitoto mirrored in the rain and it just looks awesome, and when it clears out it's just fantastic," says Andrew.
"Sunrise is the best. If you're an early riser, which I am, you can really make the most of it."
Andrew enjoys watching the changing scene, be it people walking by with their dogs or those who go for a swim even at this time of year.
He has always loved this beach, especially being from the North Shore originally.
"We used to play here as kids. You always come back to the Shore, I think."
Working in the oil and gas industry, Andrew is overseas more than he is in New Zealand, so when he comes home he likes to stop, unwind, and watch the world go by.
"For me, I have high stress levels in the job I'm in and this was the haven, this was the relaxing place.
"That's what it means to me; it was a chill place."
And he loves looking out to the sea.
Image 1 of 7: A skipper would feel at home here. Photos / Fiona Goodall, Getty Images
"I started off as a deckhand on ships and then I worked my way up to captain and I think being close to the sea is still good for me.
"I spent 25 years at sea and I don't want to go back to sea, but this is like a nice compromise, especially when it's stormy, you know, you feel very grateful to be on land. That's a real good connection for me, watching the boats coming through - it's a perfect retired captain's house, that's for sure."
And it's great to be able to go a few steps and have a swim whenever you want.
"It's hard to get this close to the beach any more, with all the regulations," he says. "Along the beach, this is one of the widest frontages so you're getting all the bedrooms, dining room, lounge, everything, bang on to it."
The property is tucked away down a long driveway and is private from the other homes.
The large open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining area is light and airy and at one end is the large master suite with its own deck and en suite.At the other end are another two bedrooms with a shared bathroom.
Andrew has consent to add another large deck off the lounge and says he will still complete this.
Stairs on the main level take you down to another huge living area and bedroom, all with fabulous views.
Out front are two pohutukawa, which frame either end of the property but don't obstruct the view.
Andrew has seen dolphins out to sea and the big cruise ships as they go by.
"I love watching the old Spirit of New Zealand sailing ship. She looks great when she comes through here. I used to be the captain on that as well in my younger days."
He has bought a smaller lock-up-and-leave nearby which suits his lifestyle but will miss the proximity to the beach and the easy living offered by the house, which is modern throughout, but which he says also has a lovely cosy, homely feel.
