Whangaparaoa: Unforgettable

A property that's all about freedom. By VICKI HOLDER.

As a child, Stephanie Johnstone recalls travelling for half the day from her home in Greenlane to reach the family bach in Manly.

Her grandmother bought the waterfront property in 1952. When she died 10 years ago, Stephanie's parents, Norman and Marie Wallace, decided to return from Wellington to build a new home in this heavenly location on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.

The roads have vastly improved since Stephanie's childhood in the 1960s. Now, the motorway whisks commuters into the CBD in about 45 minutes. But the new home, built to a design by architect Stephen Smythe, still enjoys the same sense of peaceful isolation that drew the family here for those unforgettable holidays. The sea view across the Peninsula hasn't changed much either.

Nudged forward on the site, closer to the neighbouring council reserve, the house was designed in tune with its coastal setting to emphasise privacy and light. In the 10 years since it was built, native trees and a wild profusion of subtropical plants have burst forth from the garden all around to form a multi-textured green screen from any neighbours. To achieve this natural look, Norm and Marie shipped in loads of topsoil and compost to compensate for the 2m-deep clay.

The property is reached by a private driveway heading down the hill past other homes. A magnificent electric security gate at the bottom is constructed of galvanised steel and mesh, with shapely pistachio and rust-toned cut-outs in a geometrical pattern. The materials echo those encountered in balustrades around the house and fencing at the edge of the parking area.

A double garage stands on the site of the old bach. And it's just a step or two to a covered walkway curving along an aisle of native planting towards the entry.

From the moment you step inside, big views hit you in the eye. They're framed by beautiful cedar joinery at the windows and french doors around the exterior and across the middle of the living area, between the lounge and the dining space. Light fills every corner of the living area.

When the weather is fine, all eight external doors and the many large windows open to extend the living area to sunny decks.

The linear design of mullions set low down on the windows and french doors suggests a Japanese aesthetic that's enhanced by the rimu floors.

Simple window dressings of cream drapes and romans never threaten to distract from the intense blue of the sky and water beyond. Plain, large, white light bulbs hanging from the ceilings might look a little naked in other homes, but here they seem just right. The house may be a lot bigger and more sophisticated than the original bach, but its appeal is in its absolute simplicity, which allows the occupants to focus on the splendour of the natural environment.

Moving between the dining room and doors to a deck at the other end, a galley kitchen takes on the colour of the sea when it's a dull day in washed blue green cabinetry. Apart from the gas hob, the appliances are all quality Bosch.

Behind the living area, a big semi-en suite from the master bedroom doubles as a laundry with whiteware along one wall. A frameless glass shower lined in stainless steel bounces light back into the room. The bedroom, through a fitted dressing room, looks out through a glazed conservatory where Norm likes to start his day with an early morning coffee in the sun, watching the action across the water.

As well as two more bedrooms downstairs spilling out to decks downstairs, a room planned as Norm's dark room is set up as a kitchen. It's handy for guests who can make a coffee without venturing upstairs. Guests can also indulge in a clawfoot bath, which feels as if it's sitting in the great outdoors. With floor-to-ceiling glass all around, this second bathroom opens to the deck and uplifting sea views. There's no need for curtains, for nobody can see into this waterfront hideaway. So you can relax and soak up the freedom in the knowledge that it will remain like this forever.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 9 Swann Beach Rd, Manly, Whangaparaoa Peninsula.

FEATURES: Waterfront property with sea views and access through reserve to beach; 10-year-old home designed by architect Stephen Smythe for privacy and light; good indoor-outdoor flow to decks; security gate; air conditioning in living area; three bedrooms, master with dressing room and semi-en suite; kitchenette, dark room or study; large extra storage or computer room; mature coastal garden without lawns; large parking area and double garage with auto remote opener.

SIZE: Land area 918sq m.

AUCTION: September 10.

AGENT: Anna Langdon, Bayleys, Orewa. Ph 09 426 5911; 027 659 6753 mob.