Coastal: Beachside bliss at Omaha

By VICKI HOLDER

An hour from Auckland, Omaha holds the promise of the classic New Zealand beach holiday escape. Over the dunes, miles of white sand stretch along a beautiful bay where rolling waves pound against the shore.

There's the added attraction of a nine-hole golf course (soon to be 18) and a well-managed marina. Restaurants and shops are being planned too.

While the original part of Omaha has almost been built out, a farm at the other end offers new possibilities.

Already fully landscaped and laid out in an attractive streetscape of cul-de-sacs, The Dunes has been meticulously planned for luxurious beachside living.

Strict design criteria govern the style of homes that can be built here, so the environment will always convey a privileged atmosphere of exclusivity. Owners can be assured that their investment in these large properties is safe.

With interest in coastal living at an all-time high, properties are selling fast at The Dunes and new homes are popping up all the time. However, a few of the completed residences are available for purchase, where you can simply move in and avoid the lengthy process of building.

At Taimana Close, two sophisticated, architectural homes await new owners. Developed for discerning families who expect space, quality and security, they also offer easy access to the beach, protected sea views and a key to the tennis court, which is jointly owned by each resident in the street.

Designed by Owen McKinnon, with the interiors by Bromhead Design, the two homes complement one other. They share the same cedar and plaster exterior and copper spouting, which helps them blend into the natural landscape.

Around each house, riverstone garden beds feature easy-care plants and petanque courts off the living areas provide a little leisurely competition.

The houses feature double lock-up garages and four double bedrooms. Spacious, open-plan living areas open to terraces on two sides through glass sliders and bifolds.

Discreet, well-positioned lighting inside and out lends comfort and emphasises the architectural features.

Although there are outdoor showers on the terraces, there's no fuss when sandy feet come indoors. Polished concrete floors provide an easy, attractive, durable surface. The floors throughout the interiors, even in the carpeted bedrooms, are heated and gas fireplaces in the sitting areas set a convivial mood on cooler nights.

The timber-accented designer kitchens incorporate granite benchtops and stainless-steel appliances, including an integrated dishwasher.

The two bathrooms in each home include the master en suite, which is tucked beside the fitted, walk-in dressing room. Lined with concrete floors and mosaic-tiled showers, they are fitted with elegant Ideal Standard basins and toilets, quality tapware and chrome, heated towel rails. A Rinnai Infinity system ensures a never-ending supply of instant hot water.

Next door to the shared tennis court and the children's playground, the single-level home enjoys glimpses of the beach from the living area. A covered entry porch opens straight into a lofty, double-height atrium living area.

The flow between the casual living and entertaining space couldn't be better. A granite breakfast bar in the middle provides excellent casual dining between all three areas. While the bedrooms are downstairs, the master suite has its own separate area that can be isolated by cavity doors.

The two-storey home is accessed through a security gate. A fountain in a large planter pot makes a soothing feature in the private courtyard, which opens off the living area and one of the bedrooms.

The living area runs the length of the north side of the home, and has a fireplace at one end near the kitchen. Two of the bedrooms in this home are downstairs and share a family bathroom. Another two, including the master bedroom with en suite and dressing room, are upstairs, enjoying superb views over the dunes to the beach. As well as the double garage, this home provides covered parking for a trailer boat.

Both homes have voice-activated, home-automated intelligent systems, which allow you to control the security, lighting and heating from a distance. Imagine the luxury of being able to turn the under-floor heating on prior to driving up from Auckland, so that the whole house will be toasty warm as you open the door!

Vital statistics:

ADDRESS: 1 and 3 Tio Lane, The Dunes, Omaha.

FEATURES: Four-bedroom homes with cedar weatherboard exteriors; Colorsteel roofing; powder-coated aluminium joinery; concrete, heated, polished floors in living areas; wool carpets in bedrooms; home intelligence system for automation control; outside showers.

SIZE: Single level (no 3) - land area 832sq m; floor area 156sq m plus garage and carport; two level (no 1) - land area 971sq m; floor area 146.6sq m plus garage.

PRICE: No 3 - $675,000; no 1 $590,000.

AGENT: Stanley and Barbara Armon, Barfoot & Thompson, Epsom, Rob Hall, Barfoot & Thompson, Warkworth. Ph Stanley & Barbara 520 6221 bus; 520 6953 ah; 025 723 377 mob; Rob 09 438 3079 bus; 09 422 9152 ah; 025 897 54.