SCHOOL ZONES:
Mercury Bay Area School and Te Rerenga.
CONTACT:
Bev Calder, Bayleys, 027 279 4401.
At the turn of the century, when his four daughters were still small, Hamilton builder Barry Livingston oversaw construction of the ultimate beach house on a 1600sq m section in two titles, right by the sea in the coastal community of Opito on Coromandel Peninsula.
"We loved the fact that it was such a quiet place, well protected from the elements and safe for our children to go swimming," he says.
"The beach here is very gentle with a low gradient and no rips."
Architect-designed by Bruce McKenzie, the house is a generous 356sq m, on two levels, and has six bedrooms -- five on the ground floor, with an enormous master suite upstairs, which has captivating ocean views.
"It doesn't matter where you are in the house -- or outside -- sometimes the views just mesmerise you and, before you know it, you've been gazing out to sea or over to Great Mercury Island for hours."
With two well-appointed bathrooms and two kitchens to boot, the house can accommodate huge numbers of guests and that's exactly what Barry and his family love about it.
When guests aren't sailing, swimming, fishing or diving, they can relax in one of many living areas inside, or on the extensive deck.
"We invite lots of friends down at all times of the year and even in winter it's still beautiful here.
"The climate's surprisingly mild and we can relax on the deck with the outdoor fireplace blazing or warm up in the spa pool."
At times, when the Livingstons don't have company staying, they like to catch up with other locals, most of whom live in the city and come to Opito for a getaway too. "It's just two and a half hours from Auckland or from Hamilton."
Barry is especially proud of the landscaping. "About 99 per cent of the planting is native and they're all getting really well established now."
Being a builder, it's not surprising to find that Barry's keen on DIY and his "drive through" garage also boasts work benches and loads of storage, plus a third bathroom.
Image 1 of 5: Herald Homes
2 Matapaua Bay Rd and 8 Opito Bay Rd, Opito Bay
Pix supplied
"I like to have room to do things, and do them well. There's space in here for all my toys."
The property also includes another separate outbuilding, which can be used as additional accommodation, but also lends itself to use as a playroom or a man cave.
Nearby Kuaotunu is home to a general store and the legendary Luke's Kitchen, famous both for coffee and for pizza.
Whitianga's not far away, either.
"It's grown a lot in the time we've been coming here and has two supermarkets now and lots of shops, cafes and arts and crafts places," says Barry.
The house, with its jarrah flooring, cool, contemporary decor and quality fixtures and fittings, is up for sale now as Barry has eyes for future projects.
"One of the girls is overseas and the other three are making 'travel noises', plus there are boyfriends in the picture now, so I think it's time to move on," he says.
"They're all sad at the thought that I'm selling but we had one last big family Christmas here this last summer and I know we'll all have many happy memories of what's been a very special place for us."
