Taipari Point: Ranch-style retreat

A park-like setting at the water's edge boasts an American-style home with space to spare, writes CEDRIC GRAY.

Ask any West Auckland concert lover to name his or her favourite outdoor venue and Taipari Point - a majestic property fronting the upper reaches of Waitemata Harbour - would doubtless feature high on the list.

More than 200 people have walked the avenue of pin oaks and liquidambar trees, a stunning driveway leading to the immaculate lawns and gardens that flow to the water's edge.

With a generous mix of native and exotic trees - including magnolia, pohutukawa and Australian frangipani - it is an idyllic setting for outdoor entertaining on a grand scale.

Add the sunken gardens, the harbour views across a deep water estuary and the complete privacy, and one can understand why Taipari Point has played host to outdoor concerts, wedding receptions and garden tours.

The property, of about 1.897ha, is owned by Richard and Jane Coon, who describe it as the ideal compromise between a rural lifestyle unit and a quarter-acre section.

With two post-and-rail fenced paddocks and stables, there is room for a pony or two. There is a heated swimming pool and spa, a floodlit tennis court, walkways through the gardens and a cosy summerhouse - a lovely retreat a couple of metres from the water. A boat ramp provides easy access to the upper harbour.

The ranch-style home faces north and enjoys lovely views across the lawns to the estuary, a popular aquatic playground. Designed by Peter Barlett - a former head of the Auckland School of Architecture - it was built in the 1970s by two American professors of anthropology, who demanded a home reminiscent of the American West Coast.

It is, essentially, a warm family home with space to spare. Five bedrooms have their own en suites, and an upstairs bedroom enjoys a private lounge. The real jewels, however, are the kitchen, family living areas and a spacious atrium at one end of the house, where a twin-brick fireplace and cobbled floor make it ideal for year-round barbecues.

The kitchen is Jane's pride and joy - "a delight in which to work," she says. The modern appliances include a Gaggenau stove, and there are striking benchtops and a breakfast bar. A spacious study, well-stocked library, laundry and separate ironing room are within easy reach, and there is internal access to a large garage.

The original three-bedroom home on the property is well-presented. It occupies a commanding site in the park-like environment, making it ideal for guests, staff or as rental accommodation.

The property is for sale by tender through Barfoot & Thompson, West Harbour. The tender closes on April 23. Contact Jim Ward on 416 5599 for details.