Warkworth: Home mooring

A boat-loving couple are reluctantly upping anchor from their riverside home, writes Fritha Tagg.

38 Rivendell Place, Warkworth.

Zelma and Alan Brimblecombe have saltwater in their veins.

Boats have played a big part in their lives, and both are passionate about being on or near the water. They have owned more than 14 boats together, starting with an 18m ketch called Clifton that was used, in its former life, to transport cement from Warkworth to Auckland. They lived on Matakana Island for many years, returning to the mainland only when it was time for their children to go to college.

So it was no surprise when, 22 years ago, Zelma and Alan Brimblecombe bought a scruffy section that backed on to the tidal Mahurangi River in Warkworth, and built a two-bedroom home overlooking the water.

This was the perfect place to have a boat at the bottom of the garden.

"It's been a delight stepping aboard at the bottom of the garden and gliding off to fairy-like glades undreamed of by others," reminisces Alan. "Our fish and chip cruises with friends were fun. We'd take a short steam up river to Warkworth, then a delegation would stroll to the fish shop with everyone's orders. We'd return at a therapeutic speed, known as ghosting."

Alan and Zelma's property is located minutes from Warkworth township at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, down a right of way.

Their sloping section, with beautiful landscaped gardens, opens onto the berm that runs along the banks of the river. The opposite bank towers above the river providing a stunning native bush backdrop. This is Crown reserve land so cannot be developed.

The house is designed to capture the sun and allow the view to be seen from inside, as well as from the deck running along the living room, dining room and master bedroom.

Leaving Warkworth will be as big a wrench for the couple as leaving their house. They're well known in the community for offering their boats for use in weddings, parties, local regattas and historical re-enactments.

Alan's love affair with old character boats, and steamboats in particular, began as a boy. He has restored several old steam vessels, including his beloved Swan, a 10.6m 1900s former steamer that is now diesel powered. His 7.6m coal-fired steamer Zeltic was built in 1903 and is fully operational.

When the vessels aren't involved in local events, Alan and Zelma can be found cruising the nearby islands - it is only one hour by boat from the jetty at the bottom of the garden to Scott's Landing near the entrance to Mahurangi Harbour. Beyond are the outer Hauraki Gulf islands such as Kawau and Little Barrier. The couple also make trips up and down the coast, or go on adventures further afield.

One winter they took Zeltic on a voyage of 430 nautical miles retracing early steamer routes. Another trip took them around to Helensville and the once busy regular steamer route to Dargaville.

Leaving this boaties' paradise will be hard for Alan and Zelma, but it is time for a change of pace. They are heading to Wanganui to be near their family.

"In many ways we don't want to go, but we know it's for the best," says Alan. "This place is irreplaceable. We have had so many wonderful adventures, and they have all started right here."

Vital Statistics

SIZE: Land 813 sq m, house 153sq m plus decks and basement.

PRICE: CV (Sept 2004) $380,000. Auction August 31.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 11am-noon.

CONTACT: Sonje Gray, Bayleys Warkworth, ph 09 425 7640 bus, 021 421 515 mob.

FEATURES: Riverside home with jetty and view of native bush. Separate lounge and dining, renovated kitchen, free standing wood fire and built-in electric heating. Workshop.