Matakana: In the neighbourhood

30 Whitmore Road, Buckleton Beach, Matakana.

The memory that remains most strongly for Roger Sumich of his time at Buckleton Beach is not its gentle tidal nature perfect for his young nieces and nephews. It's not the rocks at either end of the bay that take you past prime fishing spots on the way to Sandspit in one direction, or Baddeleys Beach in the other. It's not even the ability to launch his boat at any tide, and putter across to Kawau Island in 10 minutes if he wants to.

"It's actually the wonderful holiday community here," says Sumich, who, with his partner Wendy Morris, has owned a bach at this lesser known gem a little south of Omaha for the past two years. There are only about 88 properties here, and only about four are lived in full time.

"So at holiday time everyone turns up in the same frame of mind, and everyone's friendly and welcoming. On New Year's Eve you can walk down the road and be invited into every second house for a glass of bubbly."

Properties here are closely held, and if they change hands, it is often within families or between friends. Roger and Wendy adored the spot when they visited friends, and when they heard a house was making a rare appearance on the market, they grabbed it.

Theirs has the added benefit of being completely private, at the end of a cul de sac on the edge of the bushline. It gazes across the Hauraki Gulf toward Whangaparaoa, its wide decks and conservatory-like interior capturing the most of the sun, although blinds can be pulled if it gets too hot. At the rear is a barbecue deck and grassed area to relax by in the late afternoon.

On the main level is the kitchen, dining and living area, complete with a logburner for winter getaways. Two big bedrooms are also up here - the master also captures the view. Downstairs is a large bunkroom and a second bathroom.

"We've had 11 staying here at one time," says Wendy. "It's great that it's so close to Auckland. We live in Howick yet we can be here in 75 minutes."

Roger and Wendy are setting off to develop another property, so, for the second time in just over two years, Buckleton Beach is making a rare appearance on the open market.

Vital Statistics

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 2

GARAGE: 1

SIZE: Land 1308sq m, house 120sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected above $700,000. Auction November 6.

INSPECT: Sunday 1-1.45pm.

CONTACT: Michael Dow, Harveys, ph 021 521 505, 09 422 9829 a/h.