Awhitu peninsula: Coastal gem

CEDRIC GRAY checks out a South Auckland property in a wonderful coastal setting.

Mike and Pauline Sheppard face the same dilemma whenever they visit their waterfront home at Wattle Bay on the Awhitu peninsula (pictured above) - they don't know what to look at first. "The views are irresistible," says Pauline.

The Remuera couple were attracted to the peninsula four years ago. They fell in love with the toetoe and cabbage trees, which line the waterfront, and the isolation that ensures privacy and peace.

They built a lovely cottage with a simple plan for indoor-outdoor living, content to soak up the sun and the glorious sunsets. They have relished the coastal walks to gather shellfish and the family have enjoyed swimming and fishing in the harbour a short walk away. "I make a fish chowder, which lasts the weekend," says Pauline.

The house shares a 3245sq m clifftop section with well-presented lawns and gardens, Mike having taken care to plant species that thrive in the coastal setting. North-facing, the living areas open to a pergola-covered deck, which offers a close-up view of fishing boats heading to the popular west coast game fishing grounds.

"This is New Zealand as it used to be," says Pauline, who points out that the only reason for selling is because most of the family are now living overseas, "and we dearly want to see much more of them".

For details on the property - which is for sale by tender (which closes October 29) - contact Judy Morris, Barfoot & Thompson, Waiuku, ph 09 235 1209.