Perfect start to the day at Omaha Beach

2 Edith Pl, Omaha. Photo / Supplied

2 EDITH PL OMAHA BEACH

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SIZE: Land 556sq m; House 150sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: CV $900,000. Auction date to be confirmed.

INSPECT: Sat-Sun 2-2.45pm.

ON THE WEB: www.bayleys.co.nz

SCHOOL ZONES: Matakana Primary, Snells Beach Primary, Warkworth Primary, Mahurangi College.

CONTACT: Paul Elsden, Bayleys Omaha Beach, 021 936 011 or (09) 422 7441.

FEATURES: Renovated three-bedroom 1980s home a short walk from Omaha beach, 75km north of Auckland. Extensive landscaping and decking allow for outdoor living, with formal and informal living areas indoors.

For his home office, Brian Weaver deliberately chose a room without a view. With Omaha's idyllic beach a tempting three-minute walk away, he figured the wide splash of sea on display from other rooms wouldn't be conducive to productivity.

So he chose a bedroom down the back of his three-bedroom house. Still, he doesn't miss out on a daily fix of sand, sea and surf. At 7.15am most days you'll find Brian, his partner, Sandi George, and his beach-addicted labradoodle, Poppy, meeting their fellow dog-blessed families on the long stretch of white sand.

"It's a perfect way to start the day, especially if it's a lovely morning," says Brian.

It was Omaha's lifestyle that drew Brian to the beachside settlement, 75 km north of Auckland's CBD. Nine years ago he resolved to look for a house close to a beach around the Matakana area. Omaha had a relaxed coastal feel but was close enough to Auckland to commute. Brian can be in the city in 50 minutes during off-peak times which, he points out, is quicker than many city dwellers' commutes.

"I looked at three properties. I kind of walked into this one and fell in love with the place.

"It had charm, character and personality."

The house started its life in the 1980s as a typical Omaha bach. It had been extended and renovated but Brian could see room for further improvements, especially outdoors.

Though Omaha's climate lends itself to outdoor living, the house wasn't really set up to accommodate it. The indoor-outdoor flow was limited and the outdoor area wasn't landscaped to make the most of its northeast aspect.

So Brian spent a bit of money on creating several different outdoor spaces, with shady nooks, sunny spots and sheltered areas to choose from. "Almost irrespective of the weather, you can find sun or shade," he says.

He also extended the deck so it runs right along the eastern, ocean-facing stretch of the home, with French doors leading from the living areas and master bedroom. He has embarked on further renovations inside, with new joinery, a new roof, a kitchen upgrade, a new en suite bathroom and cosmetic improvements.

"Because it's been a permanent residence rather than a holiday home, we didn't do anything on the cheap. It was all good quality.

"We've tried to keep the character and charm of the place and make sure it didn't lose its beachiness."

The outcome of Brian's efforts is that he can go through a day without dining in the same spot twice. Brian and Sandi can breakfast while taking in the sea view from the deck. Lunch is often at the outdoor table in the north-facing courtyard. The informal main living area, which accommodates the dining area, kitchen and sitting room, is a great place for casual dinner parties. Guests can later move into the large lounge which has double French doors leading to the deck.

Though Brian is relinquishing the much-loved home, he's not moving far. He and Sandi have decided to live in her home in Whisper Cove, a 15-minute drive away.