Sandspit: Hilltop haven

To-die-for views and a vast luxurious residence make this property one in a million, writes CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

The owners of this idyllic coastal property fell in love with the area more than 20 years ago, however, it wasn't until four years ago that they decided to build their dream home here.

After considering numerous other areas in New Zealand and abroad, they were finally convinced that this place was unbeatable, and you have to agree, with the reasons cited being the area's natural beauty, the fine beaches, stunning views, local boating facilities with superb coastline, privacy without seclusion, the temperate (rather than oppressively hot and humid) climate and its relative closeness to Auckland.

Although they had decided on the location, trying to find that special piece of land on which to build proved difficult - until they discovered this stunning site in 2001.

After finding an architect who they felt was on their wavelength and giving him a fairly detailed brief on what they wanted, he set about designing the home, drawing inspiration from a divine collection of ideas from various architectural and special homes' magazines sourced from around the world, provided by the owners.

"We were trying to achieve a home of timeless, multi-national design, in sympathy with its environment, taking advantage of the wide-ranging views, allowing for extensive entertaining and providing a quality, spacious and comfortable environment," says the owner.

The home, at the end of a landscaped drive, is a vision to behold. Inside the high, double cedar-panelled doors opening to the main living area, the home is privy to stunning views over Kawau Bay and island to the Coromandel. And with water everywhere - including the indoor pool - this home is awash with luxury.

Specifying minimum room sizes and positioning areas for maximum views, the owners have achieved a substantial home that flows beautifully, culminating in gorgeous sea vistas at almost every vantage point.

Keen on incorporating important fixtures, the owners were quite specific with some of the details. "We wanted the home theatre well away from bedrooms and living rooms and it didn't need any windows. The kitchen had to have great views. The living space had to flow straight to the outside and look to the swimming pool, but not be open to it due to moist air, etc."

The large modish kitchen inspired by ones in English country homes is a mixture of heritage style and modern technology. Dripping with fabulous appliances, it includes an aga stove, granite benchtops, large double sinks, a walk-in pantry and Australian jarrah cabinetry.

Matching this designer flair, the three bathrooms boast imported Italian marble tiles and listellos, Grohe or Hansgrohe tapware and showers, Italian Possi Ginorri toilets and bowls and Spanish vanities. Says the owner: "All four have under-tile electric heating, heated towel rails, in-wall cisterns and air extractors. Also, all rooms, including the bathrooms, have ceiling speakers for distributed sound."

Special features include a dining room that can easily fit a 10-seater table, which is warmed in winter by a three-sided Living Flame fireplace and cooled in summer by sliding doors that open to the terrace. Arched double doors open to the swimming pool room, which is a great area for entertaining in inclement weather, says the owner. "Its tropical environment, due to the water being kept at a constant 28 degrees, and many potted plants make it as much a garden room as a swimming pool."

And a large purpose-built home theatre, with rubber mounted and isolated wooden floors (to allow for sound vibrations from the sub-woofer to be transferred to the audience) is a welcomed addition.

Upstairs, a mezzanine floor boasts a curved library that overlooks the main entrance foyer below. A viewing lounge - with the most extensive views of any room in the house - opens to a large deck, which continues around in front of the master bedroom. Equipped with everything - a walk-in wardrobe/dressing room and en-suite - the master suite is a perfect retreat. Says the owner: "Sunrises from behind Kawau Island provide a magical start to the day and you can even see the views whilst having a shower."

Thinking long term, the owners carefully considered the design to make it possible to fit all scenarios. "We also built into the design a certain element of flexibility, just in case our needs changed and also to make it adaptable for others who follow. For example, the upstairs viewing lounge, downstairs retreat and study can all be easily changed into bedrooms. The study even has a built-in wardrobe, which doubles as file storage and the downstairs bathroom is adjacent."

Elevated on a ridge but buffered by beautiful covenanted native bush, this Sandspit respite will soothe even the weariest of souls.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 25 Kauri Dr, Sandspit.

FEATURES: A stunning home with views to Kawau Island; large main living area with immediate views over Kawau Bay and island to the Coromandel; four bedrooms (option for fifth); four bathrooms; purpose-built home theatre with rubber-mounted and isolated wooden floor (to allow for sound vibrations from the sub-woofer to be transferred to audience); three-sided Living Flame fireplace in dining room; exceptional kitchen; study; laundry; wine cellar; indoor swimming pool; triple-car garage and workshop; mezzanine floor with curved library overlooking main entrance foyer; a viewing lounge opening to large deck; master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe/dressing room and en-suite; guest bedroom with en suite; petanque court; barbecue entertaining area; extensive landscaped grounds.

SIZE: Land area approx 1.1610ha; floor area 664sq m.

INTERNATIONAL TENDER CLOSES: November 19.

AGENT: Sonje Gray, Bayleys, Warkworth. Ph 09 425 7640 bus; 021 421 515 mob.