Coatesville / Riverhead: Pretty special

Snap up this water's edge retreat where having fun on the water is easy entertainment, writes VICKI HOLDER.

For those with a penchant for water sports, this country estate in Coatesville is a dream come true.

Perched among the trees between the two banks of a peninsula, the aptly named Panorama Point gains stunning vistas up and down the peaceful waters of the Upper Waitemata Peninsula.

Tucked away in tranquil seclusion, with beach access through the esplanade reserve, the waterfront playground provides a privileged position for owners to enjoy the never-ending activity all around. On weekends, they can quietly revel in the abundant bird life that is drawn to the many shrubs and trees on the property. Or they can sit and watch the numerous boats as they parade along to the Riverhead Pub a little further up the harbour. And if action's what they desire, they don't have far to go to fish, kayak, water ski or simply play around in boats.

While there is no jetty available right now, there are plenty of good, sheltered sites along the shores.

Almost at the apex of the peninsula behind a plantation of pines, the generous, modern family home treats the owners to spectacular sunrises and plenty of space for grazing ponies. Vast lawns stretching around the house provide more than enough room for the children to run, play and hide in tree huts in the craggy pines that dot the property and provide shelter on one side.

As the property is on two titles, it can be subdivided and shared without compromising the sense of spaciousness that makes it so special. The owners, who have moved to Australia, have treasured this peaceful hideaway for the past 10 years.

The big, white stucco home has five bedrooms plus a study and rumpus room. A big swimming pool and barbecue area, hidden at the rear of the house, have given the family and their friends many hours of pleasure in the sun.

The children could escape from their parents in a downstairs wing with four big double bedrooms off the broad entry with polished timber floors. While their parents were entertaining upstairs, they looked after themselves in a large, sunny rumpus room below.

An office at the front door meant visitors didn't have to troop through the house. Conveniently located at the foot of the stairs, the access to the double garaging and a separate laundry took them straight to the heart of the home.

The large, upstairs living areas open to balconies that peer out in different directions to the views.

Although the living spaces merge for easy entertaining, separate areas are partially divided between relaxed family and formal living.

Stairs emerge in the family area adjacent to the big, white kitchen with glazing above the sinks. Heated by a free-standing log fire, the formal area steps out to a balcony that savours the harbour views.

The master suite leads off the family area. It's a sunny, private space for relaxing in the warmth of the sun that pours in through a bay of tall, faceted glass windows. The bedroom extends through glass sliders to another balcony looking back across palms around the pool into the trees. With a walk-in dressing room and en suite, it is a generous hideaway well removed from the hustle and bustle of the household.

Coatesville is not well-known for its waterfront properties. Most of the area is landlocked and this is possibly the last available peninsula. So this water's edge retreat is pretty special and offers ample opportunity for enhancement.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: Panorama Point, 77 James Paige Lne, Coatesville/Riverhead.

FEATURES: Waterfront property on peninsula in Upper Waitemata Harbour; two titles include separate 1.61ha title; peaceful setting among established trees; spacious family home with five bedrooms; outdoor entertainment area with 13m x 7m swimming pool; rumpus; office; two bathrooms, including master en suite; double garaging with separate laundry; chattels include lawn mower.

SIZE: Floor area 330sq m; land area 3.6ha, includes separate titles of 2.02ha with house and 1.61ha bare land.

AUCTION: 2pm, May 7, at Bayleys Maritime Square auction rooms.

AGENT: Shona Jurlina, Bayleys, North West Auckland. Ph 416 7788 bus; 021 997 022 mob.