When Sara and David Weaver bought a home and section on the coast at Mt Maunganui, they had plans for a few minor renovations.
"We went to see Will Tatton Architecture about a new ranch slider and ended rebuilding," says David.
They wanted to maximise sea views, have lots of natural light, and maintain privacy.
And they wanted the design to incorporate experiences from their time overseas — Turkish marble tiles on the floors, decks and bathrooms; the sun louvres that remind them of Asian architecture, and the master bedroom's open-plan link to the en suite like you find in many modern hotels.
"And we have the lap pool by the doorway like a nice villa or bungalow often has a pool outside. We wanted to feel like we were on holiday at home."
David speaks highly of the builders — Beachside Builders — a family-run business specialising in marine environments. "They gave us great advice about materials that would stand up to the elements. And Sara and I spent a lot of time picking every single detail of the house.
447A Oceanbeach Rd, Tauranga. Photo / Supplied
"We built it for ourselves but, during the build process, Sara found out she was pregnant. Because of our baby, we decided to buy the house in front as we felt this new home wasn't baby friendly."
The floors are those Turkish marble tiles. Slate panels are repeated inside on the feature wall of the entrance gallery, and around the living area's fireplace. Stair treads by the entrance are solid American Oak.
That oak is repeated in the kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, with leathered granite benchtops.
Underfloor heating has its water piping connected to Infinity hot water, and electricals are controlled by C-bus. "All the lighting is programmable," he says.
Throughout the home, floor-to-ceiling glass maximises views of the sea, Mayor, Rabbit and Motiti Islands, the Mount and the Coromandel.
Stacking sliding doors in the living areas are 8m wide; in the master bedroom they are 4.5 m wide. Sara insisted interior floors and decking are on the same level, and the deck tiles are floating, enabling individual stones to be lifted and cleaned.
On the ground level you have the garage (plus nook) designed to fit three cars or two cars and jet ski, the man cave/rumpus room, bedroom and bathroom and a laundry.
447A Oceanbeach Rd, Tauranga. Photo / Supplied
This level also has a lap pool accessed through stacking glass sliders from the entrance gallery. The next level up has the living areas, kitchen with Smeg, Miele, Asko and Neff appliances, two bedrooms, a bathroom and deck.
And the top level is dedicated to the master suite with bathroom walk-in wardrobe, luxurious en suite and private deck.
Having spent his childhood years in the Mount, moving away for work and then returning to live here with Sara, David knows the area well. He says this is a quiet part of the Mount, especially being in a cul de sac, yet they are still handy to the beaches and cafes they like to go to, and they have Bayfair shopping centre and Baywave aquatic centre within a few minutes' drive.
The property also has a private access way to the beach on its title. "You have the beach, the cafes, it's quiet and there are good schools. There is a good community feel here."
447A OCEANBEACH RD, MT MAUNGANUI • 4 bedrooms, 3 bathroom, 2 parking spaces. • Land 298sq m, 320sq m. • Sale: By negotiation. • Inspect: Sun 2-2.30pm. • Schools: Mt Maunganui Intermediate and college, Arataki School, St Thomas More Catholic School, Tahatai Coast School. • Contact: Pauline Adshead, Bayleys, 021 429 427.
