Omaha: Some like it hot

Thanks to a fabulous renovation, this once-tired beach home just metres from the beach oozes subtle sophistication and salty seaside touches. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR. 

Wanting a quieter life and a change of scenery away from the jammed Auckland roads and smog-filled streets, a home one back from the beach at Omaha offered Randolf and Julie the perfect weekend escape. 

After holidaying in the Bay of Islands about 10 years ago, the couple decided that relaxing by the sea was the perfect tonic at the end of a hectic week, so on their return started searching for their dream holiday home. 

Determined to buy a home close to Auckland, within an hour's drive, and struggling to find much on the market meeting their criteria, the couple finally settled on this house in Ruby Cove,. 

At the end of a cul-de-sac and with a gate opening to the reserve and the beach only 100m away, the basically derelict home wasn't paradise, but it had potential. 

Attracted to the property because it was relatively private and had great distant views, the couple knew that in time they could transform it into something special. Says Randolf: "It was a tiny box, but it had potential." 

Julie adds that she loved the gorgeous beach and uninterrupted views. "You can look straight out to the horizon. You feel you could go anywhere. It transports you away." 

A decade on, the blue nylon-style carpet and hanging cane chair has been replaced with modern furnishings throughout, offering a modish existence for the regular weekend getaways. 
Although the couple didn't start renovating for a couple of years, when they did - with the help of project manager Grant de Vine and architect Grant Neill - the end results spoke for themselves. 

Beautifully landscaped tropical gardens form the backdrop to the home, while inside modern furnishings regale. 

Starting by moving the water tank from one end of the property to the other, Randolf and Julie have added a large deck, a new double garage, a bedroom and en suite, and completely renovated the rest of the home. 

The Italian-inspired kitchen features black granite benches and European appliances, while elsewhere clean-lined surfaces include a new rimu tongue-and-groove floor, porcelain tiles in the bathrooms and carpet in the bedrooms. 

On the walls neutral tones prevail with half-strength Spanish White and beach-inspired hues on offer at nearly every turn. 

Showcasing the home, external columns with crushed shell detailing are illuminated at night, and the stunning subtropical gardens, landscaped by Randolf, add to the Mediterranean ambience. 


With summer desperately trying to make an appearance and Auckland a frantic pre-Christmas bun fight, this seaside home could be just the answer to seeing in the New Year. 

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 6 Ruby Cove, Omaha. 

FEATURES: Spacious two-bedroom renovated home; new tiled bathroom; Italian kitchen with granite beachtops; separate toilet; master bedroom with en suite and private deck; large wooden decks leading to landscaped subtropical gardens; internal-access double garage, which can take a 6m boat; gate access to reserve. 
SIZE: Land area 657sq m. 

PRICE: Mid $900,000s. 

AGENT: Linda de Vine, United Real Estate. Ph 09 422 7109 or 021 923 276 mob.