The couple lived in Campbells Bay before moving here three years ago with young son, six-year-old Fox, wanting to live semi-rurally and closer to Andre's parents in Point Wells. Eight-month-old daughter Neve joined the family - as did cat Casey, who turned up uninvited to adopt their pad as a base from which to explore the beach.
The home's retreat-like serenity complements their busy lifestyle. Fox goes to Matakana School while Larissa, who has been riding since she was two, is director of a company that sells and rents horse vans. Andre's a businessman who mixes property development (his family developed part of Omaha) with documentary-making and a passion for cars.
They understand their plaster-over-concrete-block home's previous owner was a builder, who completed the first half of the home in 1995, fully refitting that front half when he completed the rest in 2007.
The 6500sq m property has further development potential as its inland end comprises vast level lawns (including a one-bedroom cottage) which could be subdivided or house a tennis court. There's also the option of purchasing the neighbouring 3500sq m waterfront property with its large board and batten boatshed.
The single-level home is essentially U-shaped, with two wings parallel to the water, cosseting a substantial internal courtyard alongside the glistening salt-water pool. Indoor-outdoor flow is a given, with a plethora of outdoor entertaining areas harbouring a cedar sauna and including decks and pergola laced with wisteria. Larissa says "there are bifolds everywhere so you can get the breeze right through". Dual outdoor staircases access a scenic roof deck the couple describe as their "turret". Andre included a "zen garden" and irrigation system while further developed the gardens with fragrant plants and subtropicals.
The family spend lots of time in the north-facing wing, which opens to a big front lawn, with only a leafy walkway between it and the sea. The front lounge-dining room with wood fire is a sun-blessed spot from which to watch native, sea and wetland birds swooping and gliding.
This spread has gallery-style white walls like the rest of the interior, underlining the light and airy ambience. The adjoining kitchen overlooking the central courtyard includes double ovens, textured stainless benches and a walk-in pantry, worthy of Andre's background as a chef. A separate laundry is nearby.
An office, formal lounge admiring the water and formal dining precede the serene master suite with travertine en suite, walk-in wardrobe and tranquil water views. Neve's currently in the neighbouring bedroom with elegant bathroom, off a hall parallel to the pool. Under the floor of the front double garage is one of two water-tanks holding around 70,000 litres, feeding off the property's own bore.
The remaining wing lends itself to teens or guests with another big lounge, bathroom and two bedrooms, one housing Fox's racing car bed. Fox loves searching for kauri gum along the beach and the water is ideal for wake-boarding and kite-surfing.
Larissa's horse is kept at Andre's parents place and they're selling as they'd like some land with equestrian facilities.
