SCHOOL ZONES:
Mangawhai Beach Primary School, Mangawhai Kindergarten plus childcare centre. Bus collection for high school to either Otamatea High School or Rodney College.
CONTACT:
Robbie Robertson, Bayleys, 021 959798.
AUCTION:
April 1 (unless sold prior).
Just 80 minutes' drive from downtown Auckland, Meghann and John Stewart's coastal hideaway has been a true retreat for eight years.
"We've spent practically every January and February here, and most long weekends and other holidays, too," says Meghann.
The Stewarts are an active family. Meghann runs competitively and the children, now in their late teens and early 20s, love the water.
"We've all learned to waterski and windsurf and there's always something going on out in the estuary. When the kids were younger I would watch them through my telescope, knowing that if anyone got into trouble I could be on the jet ski and out there within seconds.
"Even at night it's a great place to be. In fact, one of my favourite activities is kayaking by the light of the moon."
The property is more beach house than bach, with a well-equipped kitchen for Meghann who is a self-confessed "crazy cook".
"My daughter is vegetarian, there are two growing boys and a husband, all with big appetites, and I need lots of energy as a runner so ... I spend a lot of time in there."
Because the living area is open plan, incorporating a dining and living space, there's a fresh, airy feel, which Meghann finds relaxing.
"We tried to make it as simple as possible. The people before us had carpet and net curtains, but we've gone for bamboo flooring which makes much more sense when there are lots of sandy feet around."
Image 1 of 3: Spend as much time outdoors as you like because sandy feet are no problem in this open plan, easy-living hideaway
Along with the family bathroom with its crisp clean blue and white colour scheme there are three bedrooms -- including the master suite, which has a walk-in wardrobe and private en suite.
Beyond a sliding door, magnificent sea views make lazing in bed a dream. Not that there's much time for lying about.
While Meghann and her daughter enjoy sunrise yoga classes on the beach, the boys play golf at the nearby club.
When Meghann isn't in training with long runs along the beach and the coastal walkway, she wears her other hat, as a successful artist, working in oils -- finding loads of inspiration here on the coast.
"I held an exhibition of paintings based on the local landscape and it was very successful," she says.
Sail Rock, the Hen and Chickens Islands and the sand dunes are visible from the house, and all have fuelled Meghann's imagination.
"Somehow I feel really invigorated when I'm here and then the painting just comes naturally."
The Stewarts have noticed lots of changes in the area since they moved in.
"Eight years ago, you couldn't even buy rocket for a salad but now there's lots of wonderful food around," says Meghann.
As the children grow older, Meghann and John have found themselves coming less often -- and usually with only one child -- which tells them it's time for a change. "This place has a lot going for it and I think it needs new owners to move in and enjoy the beachy lifestyle."
Meghann says there's a nice balance of older people and younger families in the neighbourhood and that the pace of life is pleasant.
"It's the ultimate Kiwi hideaway spot and people seem to potter much more than they do in town.
"My mother still lives here so we'll definitely be coming back to visit. She's got a small house but I'm sure we can squeeze in somehow."
