SCHOOL ZONES:
Whangaparaoa Primary, Whangaparaoa College.
CONTACT:
Jeremy Milton, Bayleys, 021 680 995.
Florian and Barbara Dittmers found their Kiwi dream home on the internet, while sitting in their living room in Hamburg, Germany.
Both fans of New Zealand, having explored both islands by campervan, they were looking for a new life for themselves and their three teenagers.
"We came over to actually buy the house, looked around the local college and the neighbourhood and when the children said that it all felt good to them, we signed up before going back home to pack up, before moving here permanently," says Barbara.
That was in 2013 and the first thing the new arrivals did was get a family dog. Barbara says that they all have fun taking it for walks on the adjacent reserve, one of the many things that attracted them to this hilltop property.
"It's beautiful and green, right on our border, and can never be built out."
The house is 12 years old and well-constructed, using Hebel, an efficient masonry product made from aerated concrete block, which is used commonly in Europe and becoming increasingly popular here.
Florian's family has worked for many generations in the surface-protection area of boat-building so it was important to him to have a home that was durable, well-insulated and weatherproof.
Set over two levels, the house is a sun-lover's paradise, despite being south-facing. It has sea views to Rangitoto, Waiheke Island, Tiritiri Matangi, where the lighthouse beams at night, the Coromandel on a clear day, and river views to Karepiro Bay.
Dolphins frolic in the sea below and the occasional orca is spotted.
Barbara explains that the property is an exception to the old, 'north-facing living is best' rule. "Because we're set up so high we get glorious morning sun, evening sun and we've even constructed a removable north-facing winter deck in front of the garage for year-round comfort," she says.
Image 1 of 10: 14 Palm Cove, Arkles Bay. Photograph by Fiona Goodall
There's a spa pool outside, where the couple sit and watch the stars.
The interior is modern, neutral and tasteful and most bedrooms have a sea or river view.
"The kitchen's one of my favourite spots. It's a pleasure doing the dishes and looking out to sea," says Barbara.
"Recently there was a film crew here on the beach below and it was fascinating watching all their comings and goings.
"We also see the ferries going to and from Auckland, and the massive cruise liners heading towards land."
There are five bedrooms, plus a separate lounge or media room, in addition to the main living area, which is combined with the kitchen and dining space so there's been plenty of room for the family to spread out.
All bedrooms, with the exception of one upstairs, currently used as an office, are on the lower level -- including the master suite, with its en suite and french doors to a patio outside. Down here it's warm in winter and cool in summer.
The main, family bathroom is modern, tiled, and beautifully finished with bath and shower.
Barbara is a keen gardener, and while living here she's done two organic horticulture courses, so the section is full of floral surprises, as well as prolific vegetable beds.
She has designed a community garden, which the neighbours are keen to be a part of. "I'm happy to leave the plans for this to hopefully happen, she says.
Two of the Dittmers' older children are going to be doing tertiary study back in Germany so, while the family plans to stay mainly New Zealand-based, there will be some coming and going, so a big home is no longer practical.
"We love the neighbourhood and hopefully won't be going far," says Florian.
"And I'm wishing that we can find a smaller house, with more garden," adds Barbara.
