Bay of Plenty: Pole position

Sip a gin and tonic and soak up the sunset at this fantastic Bay of Plenty property that's built with American pole houses in mind. By CEDRIC GRAY.

Set high on Hillcrest, above Whakatane town centre, this home has spectacular views of the town, the river, the estuary, Whakatane heads and the river bar, where a stream of fishing boats can be seen heading out to sea most mornings.

The sea views include Whale Island, White Island, the Raurimu rocks and the coast towards the township of Matata.

Taking advantage of Whakatane's well-deserved place in the Bay of Plenty sun-belt, the house is comfortably sited facing north, and is bathed in sunlight without compromising the views.

From the living room you can watch the deep-sea fisherman returning across the river bar before tying up at the wharf below, and then you can soak up the sunset.

The late Colin and Joanne McKenzie bought a house on this large site on the corner of Hillcrest Rd and Seaview Rd in the 1960s. After seeing pole houses in the US, they decided they wanted one. They chose the most advantageous site to build their retirement home.

The house is constructed partly on poles and partly on concrete, and is clad with a mixture of tapestry veneer, vertical timber shiplap and wood-grained fibroplank. There is an extensive deck along the north side of the house, which is accessible through ranch sliders. A covered walkway leads from the garage to the house.

The mature section is virtually maintenance-free. The landscaped gardens feature terraces of shrubs set in bark chips. The attractive driveway leads to a double garage, and from there it is a short, level walk to the house.

Apart from a single step splitting the open-plan living room from the dining room, the house is on one level. There is a fireplace in the living room.

The conservatory, living room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom and another bedroom share the views. The decor is mainly neutral, including the beige carpet. The generous master suite has an en suite and a dressing room alcove. The kitchen has a breakfast bar and plenty of cupboard space and modern appliances.

The house is being marketed by Harcourts, Whakatane. The auction is being held on site at 11am, July 13. For details contact David Marshall on 07 308 6359 or 025 998 481 mob.