Russell: Place of peace

Getting away from it all, truly, is what this sensational Russell property is all about. By VICKI HOLDER. 

Bring a large stack of books when you come to stay at Sri Meranti on the Te Wahapu peninsula in Russell, the Bay of Islands. Be prepared to hunker down for a long time. For it's hard to say goodbye to this peaceful retreat, with its intriguing name. 

The scenery is breathtaking and the tranquillity mesmerising. As it wraps you in its calm privacy, you are lulled into desiring only the simplest of pleasures requiring minimal movement - relaxing, recuperating, contemplating, reading or writing. 

The previous owners had a holiday love affair with Indonesia before coming here and calling it Sri Meranti, which means Place of Peace. 

From Australia, current owners Bill and Sue Wheatley say it's the best spot they've ever found. "The site was carved out 25 years ago. The chap who built it could pick the best available," says Bill. The Wheatleys often toyed with changing the name to Crows Nest, because they say it's straight out of a Daphne du Maurier novel with a recreational feel - and the fact the fishing is so good here. 

They were on holiday in Russell when the estate was advertised, and they had to have a look. The intention was to extend their business, developing local restaurants and more in Auckland. But the pressures of work in Australia made this difficult. Their two "surfie kids" have already gone back to Byron Bay and it's time for the couple to move on, though they're obviously finding the concept difficult. 

Just 150m from the water's edge, Sri Meranti perches at the peak of a headland. A sense of expectation rises as you wind down the full length of the property through native bush to the house - a 30-year-old Lockwood home with a simple, beachy feel. Through floor-to-ceiling glass, it gains breathtaking views over the waters of Matauwhi Bay, the Bay of Islands waterways and numerous surrounding coves. 

Since they arrived two years ago, the Wheatleys haven't attempted to modernise the home, but they have rejuvenated it. "It was a bit dark with all the timber finishes," says Bill, "so we've had a whitewash paint job done around the walls of the interior and on the white tongue-and-groove cathedral ceilings." The crisp, washed effect gives the interior a laid-back coastal feel, which picks up the intensity of colours on the rugs, artworks and accessories. The eclectic mix lends itself to throwing off your shoes and getting comfortable. 

Says Bill: "It's a lovely, solid, two-storey home with four bedrooms and an office all on a concrete slab, which keeps you warm with underfloor heating. It's wonderful when a storm blows through and the wind lashes at the windows." 

A hallway upstairs leads to three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an office. The open-plan lounge-dining room, kitchen with breakfast bar and laundry are central. Doors disappear, opening the interior to a broad, north-facing deck that invites you to unwind or entertain. In summer, it's covered in twisting wisteria vines, which give a degree of shelter in the rain. 
Downstairs, another bathroom, bedroom and storage area can be used as separate guest accommodation, an office or studio. 

You can wander down through native bush to your own boathouse near the water, or fish for your dinner from snapper rock. Private access takes you to two secluded beaches fringed with pohutukawa. 
 
The garage holds all the trappings of coastal life. Lining the walls are well-used lifejackets and oars, and there's an array of boating gear. 

But it's not just a special beach house, for the Wheatleys have already initiated sub-division of the estate. You can choose to continue with procedures, which are subject to approval, or purchase the estate in its entirety. As one of the few north-facing waterfront properties of its size in the area, it is indeed a most coveted place of peace. 

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: Sri Meranti, Audrey's Ave, Te Wahapu Peninsula, Russell, Bay of Islands.

FEATURES: Private, peaceful, waterfront estate with harbour and bay views; private mooring below; beach access; Lockwood home; generous, open-plan living opens to deck and garden; four bedrooms plus office; self-contained guest suite; two bathrooms; double garage.

SIZE: Land area 2.908ha. 

PRICE: $2.5 million by private treaty. 

AGENT: Charlie Brendon-Cook, Russell Realty. Ph 09 403 8895 bus; 021 403 723 mob.