Takapuna: Barefoot resort

This seaside unit comes with entertainment in all weathers.

46C Hauraki Road, Takapuna.

Many of us dream of taking a year off and living in Bali while we figure out the next stage in our life. Jude Mannion did just that, and came back two years ago to re-create the Bali resort feeling on Takapuna beach. She also created the Robin Hood Foundation, a unique not-for-profit organisation that helps businesses reach out to charities in their community.

"I'd had enough of corporate life, after years working the globe," says Jude. "I wanted to help companies make inspiring social contracts, to be about more than just profit. And I needed to simplify my lifestyle."

The resulting home is a take-off-your-shoes unit mere meters from Takapuna beach. At king tides, the waves lap the garden wall.

"It's fabulous to be so close to the water," says Jude.

When she bought her home, previous owners had done all the work, refurbishing a 1970s box seven years ago with architect Marshall Cook. The resulting barefoot resort feel hides well thought-out details - wiring for sound and working from home, cosy underfloor heating, and skylights to draw light into back bedrooms. Cook opened the house's flow, uniting its spaces with tiled floors.

In the kitchen, a granite bench adds luxury. Jude admits that while the capacious butler's pantry (with second sink) and integrated fridge freezer get a good workout, family and friends reckon the Smeg cooker and oven are totally wasted on her.

There is a front entrance from the double car-port, but most visitors simply take off their shoes at the bottom of Hauraki Road and walk along the beach. The open plan living room captures sun and views all day, with bifold doors flung open to the deck. A huge window seat begs you to curl up on a stormy day to watch the waves. Jude finds the sea's constant soundtrack means she barely needs to turn on the TV for entertainment.

The master bedroom is straight out a resort - sliding glass doors can be left open while lockable shutters admit breezes. Jude finds that here she has learned the art of being idle: she loves to wake during the night just to be lulled back to sleep by the sound of the sea. The adjoining bathroom boasts double sinks, so two people can brush their teeth with the best view in Auckland in front of them.

The second bedroom opens through sliding walls to a study, although the third bedroom, off the living room, has been fully wired for office connectivity too.

The proximity to the beach means Jude and friends are constantly entertained by passers-by. She has got to know the dawn kayakers, the gentleman who walks in his suit, the dog fanciers who exchange puppy stories. When the wind turns too strong, visitors repair to a sheltered stone terrace where Jude throws out a Turkish carpet and guests lounge in front of the fire on Moroccan cushions. Below is every beach-goer's dream, a gated parking bay for the boat to push off on to the beach.

The Robin Hood Foundation has grown so much that Jude now finds she needs a flat within walking distance of the office in the city. But while she is giving up Takapuna beach she plans to maintain a weekend beach lifestyle with a property on one of the out-of-town coasts, leaving some other lucky owners to live the peaceful life close to the city.

Vital Statisics

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 2

GARAGE: 2

SIZE: One third share of 1358sq m. Unit 120sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: CV (2005) $1.85 million. Auction February 15.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 3-4 pm.

CONTACT: Patrick McCarthy or Adam Parker, Bayleys, ph 027 233 3988 (Patrick), 021 454 251 (Adam), 375 6848 bus.

FEATURES: Beachfront unit renovated by Marshall Cook with open plan living and study. Decks to a flat section. Boat park.