Waiheke Island: Let me entertain you

Vista Vitae, 6 McIntosh Road, Waiheke Island. 

An architect-designed home has stunning indoor and outdoor spaces in an idyllic setting. 

Architect Simon Carnachan is known as much for designing the perfect beach retreat as he is for his urban spreads. His properties characteristically feature indoor living that blends seamlessly with outdoor courtyards and terraces, spaces that both enclose and reveal, and, often, a stunning roof for drama and line. 

Vista Vitae, perched above the cliffs by Little Oneroa Bay, has captivated many a passerby as it steps down past the bush reserve in a series of articulated boxes and planes. Built nine years ago, with further additions in 2000, the house is remarkably hard working. 

Current owners Diane and Ken Rackham ran a popular cooking and golf school, hosting some 1700 guests over three years at classes, corporate events and jazz weekends featuring chefs such as Peta Mathias and Jo Seager. The house still comfortably hosts more modest parties of 60 people or sit down dinners of 30 without, Diane says, feeling invaded. The beauty of the pavilion style of the house is that it is equally cosy and comfortable for just two people: the central living and kitchen pavilion also houses the master bedroom suite, so the ground floor guest wing and office can be closed away. But when the enormous crowds roll in, the upper garage is designed to convert quickly to kids' bunk quarters. 

Carnachan also designed flexibility into the outdoor living. Huge sliding doors can enclose the courtyard, and a fireplace warms the outdoor room. An extendable sail provides additional shelter for a crowd. A terrace on the seaward side of the kitchen provides further outdoor options. 

When they decided to move to Waiheke six years ago to set up the cooking and event business, Diane and Ken asked agent Chris Palmer to find them something special. The house was not on the market, but when they saw it Diane and Ken knew immediately this was their perfect property, so managed to persuade the owners to sell. They then commissioned Carnachan to add a spa/sauna area in keeping with his original design, as well as an efficient home office on the ground floor from which to run the business. 

Tracks lead past the native bush reserve to Little Oneroa or a tiny private cove shared with the neighbourhood. Tui and wood pigeons are constant companions around the garden. 

But the couple are moving into a new life stage. They have completed renovations at their bach at Hahei, a kid-friendly spot for their six children and two grandchildren, and need only their apartment at the Viaduct for an Auckland foothold. 

Vital Statistics:
 
BEDROOMS: 3+ 

BATHROOMS: 2 

GARAGE: 2 
 
SIZE: Land 687sq m, house 270sq m. 

INSPECT: By appointment. 

PRICE INDICATION: Around $3 million. For sale by private treaty, deadline April 27. 

CONTACT: Chris Palmer, Premium Waiheke, ph 0274 734 721 or 372 5047. 

FEATURES: Concrete, plaster, corrugated iron and cedar house in two pavilions with a sheltered central courtyard with fireplace. Outdoor spa/sauna room and self-contained guest floor with office. Double garage converts to sleeping accommodation.