Rakino Island: Penguins on the doorstep

A waterfront home comes complete with furniture, a four-wheel-drive and a dinghy, writes Cate Foster.

30 Jane York Place, Woody Bay, Rakino Island.

The angry baby of Hercules, the black-backed gull, never left us during our visit to Janell and Quentin Milne's waterside property in Rakino's pretty Woody Bay.

He was determined that his mum, made a pet in her youth, feed him instead of following our progress around the house. Only metres below the hand rail on which he squatted and shouted, small penguins crouched in the washed up seaweed. Waterside properties don't come any closer to the water than this, and since the house was built in 1991 changes to Auckland City Council's district plan mean they never will again.

Out to the west across the cove that is Woody Bay, the distant towers of downtown Auckland can just be seen through the dazzle off the water.

Quentin explains how "At night, we see the lights and when there is a fireworks display, it's just there in front of us; it looks so close."

Sheltered and intimate, this little bay is a favourite with passing boaties, and when the America's Cup was being sailed further out in the harbour it was a perfect place from which to watch the action. Its westerly aspect means that the sunsets are spectacular. Janell tells how she has lost count of the number of visitors who have sat on the deck and declared that they've died and gone to heaven.

Of comparatively recent construction, Janell and Quentin's house is comfortable and, as are all properties on Rakino, self-sufficient. Solar panels provide power and rain water is collected off the roof. Outdoor living is an all-weather affair and even when those pesky westerlies blow, a glazed door allows dining on a sheltered side deck. Inside, a roomy living space gives onto a kitchen at the rear, and beside that a comfortable bedroom with more of those stunning views.

Up a few steps a large sleeping loft, while unfinished, has ample room for visitors and family. Although these are the two designated bedrooms the house has a relaxed configuration and extra sleeping areas have grown up over the years. In the summer it frequently accommodates 10 at a time.

The house is being sold fully furnished, complete with a four-wheel-drive and dinghy.

A deep water mooring, with its own GPS fixing, is suitable for a large boat, and well-built fences give privacy to the house and its surrounding garden from beach users. Janell and Quentin have planted flax and other hardy natives in this enclosed area, and are keen supporters of efforts to restore Rakino's natural habitat.

Ill health has forced them to reconsider their options and it is with heavy hearts that they have decided to sell the property.

"We are just living one day at a time at the moment, and the thought that we can't just row out and catch a snapper for breakfast any more is very hard. However, we know the memories are ours forever."

Vital Statisics

BEDROOMS: 2+

BATHROOMS: 1

GARAGE: 2

SIZE: Land 840sq m, house 170sq m.

PRICE: Offers around $2 million.

INSPECT: By appointment.

CONTACT: Lloyd Steinbring, Bayleys Waiheke, ph 09 372 0005 bus, 021 245 8553 mob, 09 372 0559 a/h.

FEATURES: Absolute water's edge, the property is being sold fully furnished, complete with four-wheel drive and dinghy. Deep water mooring with GPS satellite position (registration in process).