Nine years ago, Estelle and Bill Martin were bracing for the long process of building a house for their retirement. The former city dwellers had bought land at Pt Wells, near Matakana, and had been living in an older home on the property while they made plans.
One day they ended up outside a 2-year-old house in nearby Algies Bay. It was a game changer.
Like Pt Wells, Algies Bay was a sleepy waterfront community a short drive from Warkworth. This house, across the road from the beach, promised broad sea views and a laid-back beach lifestyle without the hassle and risk of building. And it had won a silver medal in the Master Builders House of the Year awards.
"We walked in and were immediately drawn to the view," says Estelle. "It was a hot day, with a lovely breeze coming in."
The view spanned Kawau Bay from Sandspit to Kawau Island, with Great Barrier bridging the gap and Little Barrier peeping over the Tawharanui Peninsula.
They tore their eyes off the ocean long enough to take in the three-level house. The lower level hosted an oversized two-car garage. At entrance level was a soaring double-height glass-dominated foyer, and an open-plan living room and kitchen with glass sliders out to the north-east facing deck and north-west facing courtyard.
Image 1 of 6: Home in sleepy waterfront community north of Auckland has a grandstand view
The kitchen had masses of storage, much of it hidden in a huge square kitchen island, as well as a double oven, and unimpeded views of the ocean.
Two bedrooms tucked at the back of this level were cleverly configured to incorporate sea views. With a shared en suite bathroom, they promised to provide perfect accommodation for the couple's children and grandchildren.
It was the upper level that decided it. As well as the master suite with a balcony, separate his-and-hers walk-in-wardrobes and a huge bathroom, it had a study, an additional bathroom and a second lounge with bar area and grandstand views. Whitewashed wooden shutters and a whitewashed timber ceiling gave it an airy, beach feel.
"By the time we got upstairs we'd decided that it would be perfect for us," says Estelle. "And obviously it would be a great place for the grandchildren."
And the best bit? Once they'd bought it and moved in, the work was done. They could sit back and enjoy their glorious views from a range of vantage points, amble across to the beach, enjoy picnics and swims, and go further afield for golf and trips to the Matakana cinema.
Bill died three years ago, and Estelle has gradually come around to the idea of moving on, to a smaller property in the area.
Her one regret is losing her huge sea view.
"That's the thing I'm really battling with, but I think it's time to move on."
