Whether you want great surf, beach walks, art galleries or funky cafes, there's nowhere quite like Raglan, and Sheree Smail is sad to part with the family's trendy bach there.
In the seven years since she and husband david bought the property she's become very attached to the town, the house and the beach below, even though she'd never even been to Raglan before that.
"We were looking for somewhere and I saw the house on the internet," Sheree says. "I loved the views, and the funky design of the house and its quirky interior. When we went to look at the place it was the first time I'd ever been to Raglan and I loved it. I told my parents about the place and they were a bit dubious but when they saw it, they had to admit I was right."
The open-plan beach cottage at the top of the section became Sheree's parents' domain for weekends away, while Sheree, Dave and their children had the main building for their holiday space.
On the 820sq m section, the two are separated by a gently sloping lawn and a big deck, which they added to the cottage soon after they bought it. Both houses are positioned to take advantage of the sea views over Lorenzen Bay, and the easy access to the water via the waterfront reserve.
Image 1 of 6: Funky outside, quirky inside, this beach house has multi-level views and a cottage in the back yard for mum and dad
"We have a dog and there's no curfew on that beach so it's great for walking," Sheree says. "When the tide's out you can walk to the wharf for fish and chips. And we go kayaking and boating -- the bay is so safe."
The main house is on three levels with a master bedroom and en suite on the upper level and an open-plan living area on the second floor with deck space for outdoor living. Two sets of bifold doors open out to the decks and the kitchen window also folds right back. Thanks to the three-level design there are views from everywhere, including the en suite.
The ground floor follows a typical beach house theme with exposed aggregate and polished concrete floors.
Clad in a combination of corrugated iron and dark-stained board and batten, it has a stylish but casual vibe they really like.
"It was a funky little house and we've tried to keep it that way.
"It was pretty much like this when we bought it and it came furnished, but I wanted to funk it up a bit more so I chose new furnishings for the living room and master bedroom," Sheree says.
The cottage is even more relaxed. Clad in matching board and batten, it is open-plan with bonuses such as a table tennis table and a jukebox Sheree bought on the internet.
There's been plenty of opportunity for entertaining friends and kids' friends, and at busy times the lawns have provided extra space for tents.
"The great thing about Raglan," Sheree says, "is that it has the beaches and cafes, but it doesn't have that hustle and bustle of other holiday places. And here, even though we have neighbours, it's really quiet and private."
Over the past few years they've spent many weekends at the bach, but fewer in recent times due to other commitments.
"Our son is into golf and he loves the Raglan course, but he's getting a bit more serious now and he likes to play at Mount Maunganui as well. So we've had to make a choice."
Sheree enjoys the Mount too, but it hasn't earned quite the same place in her heart.
