The Scottish-born pair retired here 13 years ago after working in Hong Kong as academics. Carol had raised her children in New Zealand and she and Alastair wanted to live around here, handy to where a couple of them have settled.
They saw this renovated ex-state home's outlook and setting, and were desperate to buy the property at its auction. Carol says: "I thought, 'Oh, my, this is fabulous. This is my dream home. I really want this to be my house.'
"We were so nervous about whether we'd get it we both had to have a lie-down in the afternoon before the auction. We got my daughter to do the bidding for us."
They feel their lives have been enriched hugely by living here. "That first Christmas the kids gave us a kayak each," says Carol.
"We'd kayak across the creek and up to Cox's Bay. We looked after our granddaughter Claire a lot when she was little and she just loved it here, clambering over the rocks or pottering around little pools with her dollies.
"It feels kind of like living in a bach in a way, so relaxing. We often walk into Ponsonby or into town and quite often I'll say, 'Let's walk home and have our coffee on the deck at home' rather than in a cafe because it's so much nicer.
"I love being able to see the sea without having to look over the rooftops of other houses."
The property is private from the street thanks to a front fence, with entry through a double-carport which can be closed off by a front roller door. Inside the home, you look through the lounge at that vista stretching right out to Hobsonville. In summer, the ranch-slider to the deck is invariably open with the couple often eating out there.
A spa pool invites sunset soaks and views of birds soaring above the boats, often against spectacular sunset backdrops. The couple have marvelled at the beauty of the moon reflected on the water, and have wandered the low-tide seabed to fly kites with their granddaughter.
The grounds step down to their own waterfront boathouse with deck, where they keep their kayaks and sip wine while watching goings-on such as the Westmere Regatta. A few steps over, down the strip of grass forming part of the Queen's chain, a little concrete boat-ramp awaits.
"The house has got its own personality. It's not stuffy or posh; it's just so relaxing," says Carol.
The lounge has a gas fire, a heat-pump and double-glazing along its front, meaning the pair can enjoy the outlook while retaining heat. They've also upgraded the kitchen and bathrooms.
Two bedrooms boast fine water views and en suites; a front ground-floor bedroom and the upstairs bedroom feature port-hole windows.
Carol sighs: "I love the view from up here. It gives me a warm feeling every time I see it." The other two bedrooms overlook a Japanese courtyard, with a family bathroom and laundry.
The couple intend to downsize to a smaller property.
