Muriwai: Bird’s eye view

Muriwai Beach provides the perfect environment for this exquisite coastal retreat oozing international style and flair. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

One of Auckland's most exhilarating coastal retreats, Muriwai is home to some spectacular examples of maritime-inspired architecture.

This home, in Waitea Rd, with its exceptional views of Gannet Rock, Maori Bay and beyond, epitomises the best of coastal living. The section, bought in November 1998, required a huge amount of retaining work and engineering before architect Richard Priest was given free rein to design a contemporary home to suit the terrain and views.

Clad in Meranti marine ply, the split-level home is cleverly positioned to achieve a view from every room, bar one. Giving the house a nautical feel and offering a low-maintenance material, the ply is teamed with silver aluminium joinery sporting tinted green glass to match the colour of the sea.

The main entrance features a tapa design on the front door, which opens straight into the living area where stunning matai floors flank this space and the stairs.

Extensive glazing and subtle decor and a vast gallery wall, which runs the entire length of the house, define a level of modish sophistication. And exceptional elements include a bath that has been raised to window level, for maximum enjoyment of the seascape, a family room on the upper level opening to a flat, grass area, a master bedroom jutting out with floor-to-ceiling joinery and a stylish stainless-steel kitchen with a feature blackboard wall.

The second and third levels comprise two bedrooms and a family bathroom. One of the bedrooms doubles as an office and is connected to the lower level through a rectangular, glass internal window.

The garaging elevates the house and anchors the dwelling to the sloped contour of the land, while outside the landscaping complements the simplicity of the house yet adds a sculpted dimension. Under the master bedroom and en suite, a cleverly disguised garden shed accommodates garden paraphernalia. An established pohutukawa provides an adventurous retreat for children and much-needed shade in summer.

An exceptional retreat for discerning lifestylers, this Muriwai home demands closer inspection.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 62 Waitea Rd, Muriwai.

FEATURES: Richard Priest-designed contemporary home with panoramic coastal views to Gannet Rock, Maori Bay and beyond; three bedrooms - one with en suite; two bathrooms; matai floors throughout living area; gallery hallway; expansive glazing; designer kitchen; decks off master bedroom and living area; two-car garaging; garden shed; terraced gardens; security system.

SIZE: Land area 812sq m; floor area 177sq m, including decks but not courtyard or garage.

AUCTION: 2pm, November 17, Bayleys Maritime Sq auction rooms.

AGENTS: Richard Cadness and Heather Hitchings, Bayleys. Ph Richard 817 5742 bus; 025 513 364 mob; Heather 417 0017 bus; 021 599 760 mob.