Okura: Natural selection

This pocket of paradise with gob-smacking views within reach of the city has managed to remain untouched by development. By VICKI HOLDER.

Espousing principles of that most famous 20th century American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, this understated country home celebrates the grandeur of a dazzling landscape.

Full-height windows and doors soak up the majestic panorama of rolling green hills, which draw a meandering line along the brilliant blue of the harbour and skies. 'On a clear day, you can see forever,' as the saying goes. Overlooking Okura Bay and spanning from Kawau Island, the Coromandel, Tiritiri and the Barrier islands to Rangitoto Island and the Sky Tower in the city, the natural vista is uninterrupted. Given that it's only minutes from the buzz of Auckland's North Shore suburbs, such an unspoilt landscape offers a peacefulness that is uncanny.

Attracted by the spectacular view, Jennifer and William Ellis arrived here with their family four years ago. The location lets them enjoy everything they love about the city from an easy-to-manage, small property that provides the best of country living. They have all the space they need without the work that usually comes with larger lifestyle properties.

Such a small property is unusual in these whereabouts. Jennifer explains it's one of the few titles the council allowed to be carved off from larger parcels as part of a retirement scheme several years back. The scheme no longer exists and it remains a happy anomaly.

The house has about an acre of land, much of which is level lawn. Since coming here, the couple have developed the grounds, planting extensive borders with masses of trees and agapanthus, which has cut weeding to a minimum.

Built in 1967, the house was designed by a firm of architects to incorporate ideas promoted by Frank Lloyd Wright. Not only did it offer a fundamental relationship between the building and the land, inside it offered large, open spaces and a flowing, modern layout ideal for entertaining.

Previous owners had updated the living area with a new kitchen that introduced rich timber highlights in curved cherrywood features. A casual breakfast bar curves out from the kitchen bench into the sitting area. To accommodate entertainment systems, the fireplace above a raised hearth was concealed behind cherrywood cupboard doors.

Jennifer and William continued to give the home their personal stamp with many alterations of their own. Most significantly, two years ago they built a self-contained guest wing in the same style as the main house, which gives shelter to the pool terrace, protecting it from the northerly winds. With a kitchen, sitting room, bedroom and bathroom, it means overseas guests can be self-sufficient when they come to stay. It has also proved useful for entertaining around the pool and as an alternative venue for parties.

In the main living areas, the Ellis' also replaced outdated windows and doors with low-maintenance powder-coated aluminium frames. Smaller windows above allow for ventilation. In deference to the home's original inspiration, a small stained glass window lets vivid yellow light shine into the living area beside the entertainment centre.

Glass inserts in the balustrade to the deck surrounding the living area allow glimpses of the heated pool when you're standing inside.

The home balances formal and casual living with two areas at opposite ends, divided by the centrally located kitchen and separate dining room. All face north for the sun and those fabulous views.

The couple use a double garage with internal access while guests park securely in a forecourt to the rear that catches slithers of the view through a voluminous glazed entry stairwell.

Four bedrooms downstairs all open to the garden beneath sheltered soffits where the view can be seen over a hedge of hebes that finishes off the lawn with a splendid purple trim. A bushy puka tree outside the master suite treats Jennifer and William to the song of many native birds. Though the children have left home and it's time to move on, they will sorely miss the magnificence of a rare property that is a celebration of nature's bounty.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 181 Vaughans Rd, Long Bay, Okura.

FEATURES: Renovated 1960s home on small lifestyle property with self-contained one-bedroom guest house; solar-heated pool; four bedrooms; two and a half bathrooms, master with en suite; office; large decks; sea and rural views; internal-access double garaging; off-street parking; electric entry gate; extensive landscaping.

SIZE: Land area one acre.

TENDER CLOSES: August 11, 4pm.

AGENTS: Jo Lanigan and Willi Bardohl, Bayleys Stanaway Real Estate. Ph Jo 489 0965 bus; 0272 795 468 mob; Willi 489 0972 bus; 0274 922 925 mob.