SCHOOL ZONES:
Devonport Primary, Belmont Intermediate, Takapuna Grammar.
CONTACT:
Ryan Dixon, 027 632 3285, Steen Nielsen, 027 557 8336, Ray White.
SET DATE OF SALE:
4pm, March 11.
When Michael Pepper was faced with a choice between buying a small terraced house in a not particularly salubrious part of London or returning to his native New Zealand with a then-young family it was basically a "no-brainer".
During a decade in Europe, working in Germany and the United Kingdom, Michael had missed the North Shore's open spaces and relaxed pace.
"I was a homesick Kiwi boy so naturally I chose Cheltenham Beach over another northern winter."
Acquiring a rear section in a private Devonport enclave only a few moments' walk from the water's edge, Michael, an architect, set about creating his dream home.
With loads of ideas, many honed overseas where his designs ranged from small-scale residential jobs to sprawling Berlin apartment blocks, he also had a strong interest in energy conservation, coupled with a passion for urban issues.
Devonport is a heritage suburb so resource consents took several years but Michael believes it was all worth the wait.
The ground floor of the house that eventually arose is essentially a glass box, its open-plan floor level surrounded by sliding glass walls, which are usually open in summer to encourage a cooling breeze, and closed in winter to ensure heat retention. When all the doors are open you can simply walk through the airy living space from one side of the home's bright sub-tropical-style garden to the other.
"I can imagine holding huge parties here with people drifting in and out," Michael says. "It would be absolutely perfect for large-scale entertaining."
Polished concrete floors with underfloor heating mean shoes can be retired for most of the year, and a central gas fireplace is so large it effectively acts as a room divider.
The kitchen is a minimalist's dream. It's huge and functional and everything can be hidden away in cupboards -- only some of many placed strategically throughout the house.
Towards the back of this level, through the nifty under-stairs laundry, lies a self-contained flat -- currently used by Michael's 20-year-old son Mahia, a water-sports enthusiast who can simply grab his paddleboard from outside the flat's separate entrance and sprint to the water.
Image 1 of 7: Architect Michael Pepper couldn't resist adding a few hot touches to his home
Up the timber stairs with their eye-catching red banister is a large second living area where Michael works from home. It has sea views through a picture window, complete with massive wooden shutters.
This level, with its weatherboard exterior also houses another two generous bedrooms, one of which belongs to teenage daughter Stella, and the main bathroom, which features a bright red bath -- another fiery touch Michael couldn't resist.
"It doesn't only look good but it's huge too. You always feel as if you're having a real spa experience when you get in there."
The master suite has a walk-in wardrobe and en suite.
With so much glass, the house is energy-efficient, and Michael is also a big fan of insulation.
"We've used about double what's required under the building code."
The concrete floors and ceilings soak up heat during the day and then release it at night.
"It also helps make the atmosphere dry," he explains.
The family has enjoyed living in their little off-street community.
"It's nice and secure here and the neighbours are friendly. Just last week, one brought us some cucumbers, and when we first moved in I used to borrow the neighbour's lawnmower."
It's time to downscale now and Michael's looking forward to a new design challenge although he isn't sure where.
"I'm just going to take things as they come," he says, philosophically.
