Up a creek and lovin' it

23 Kingfisher Grove, Greenhithe.

23 KINGFISHER GROVE, GREENHITHE

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SIZE: Land approx 1430sq m, house approx 300sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: CV $1.4m (July 2011). Auction Thursday, November 21 (unless sold prior).

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 5.30pm-6.30pm.

ON THE WEB: www.bayleys.co.nz/1400051

SCHOOL ZONES: Greenhithe School, Albany Junior and Senior Schools.

CONTACT: Jackie Smith, Bayleys Mairangi Bay. Ph: 487 0640, 021 505 520.

FEATURES: Architecturally designed multi-level 1970s home in brick and cedar with indoor- outdoor flow to spacious grounds with heated pool. A gate at the bottom of the garden leads down to an easy water's edge launching spot on to Lucas Creek.

To Kay and Bernard's children, the backyard of their home at Greenhithe is one big adventure playground. It's easy to see why. The house borders Lucas Creek, and Emma, 16, Tom, 13, and Olivia, 11, have grown up as much on the water as on dry land.

"The water has been a huge part of the pleasure of living here. It's been wonderful for the kids as they've spent lots of time safely exploring local jetties parks, reserves and inlets," Kay says.

Outings often start at the water's edge. From there, the family might nip to a nearby beach or to an off-leash area to give their dogs a workout or to the floating dock at Riverhead Cafe for brunch.

Kay and Bernard lived in Devonport before they moved their family here seven years ago.

They wanted a home that embraced the great outdoors and they had considered moving somewhere rural but they had reservations about the work required to maintain acreage. Luckily, Kay stumbled across the house when visiting a friend in the area.

"I came to the open home just as it was closing, ran through and decided it was perfect within those first few minutes," she says.

"I brought Bernard back and, luckily, he felt the same!"

The house lies towards the northern end of Kingfisher Grove, which loops around a central public reserve where local children gather to play.

Kay and Bernard planted a griselinia hedge at the front for privacy.

Kay feels the multilevel design - by architect David Delamare - was ahead of its time as it features beautiful indoor-outdoor flow and abundant storage.

A soaring entry atrium introduces an interior rich in interesting angles, including pitched sarked ceilings, which they've painted white.

"When we modernised the decor we wanted a South Island lodge/holiday sort of feel; robust and comfortable," Kay says.

A formal dining area overlooks the main lounge and sliding doors lead the way to the glistening solar-heated pool.

Warmly toned wooden floors continue from the foyer, through the dining area and into the black-and-cream kitchen, which has composite benches and an informal dining area alongside.

Visitors are often surprised to see the layout unfurl into a big second living area off the kitchen. It's warmed by another fire and harbours a nook where the kids do their homework.

"Because of the layout, entertaining is effortless," Kay says.

Large northerly eaves provide shade and shelter and are favourite spots for Kay to sit contemplating fine rain on drizzly summer evenings.

She and Bernard chose the two-bedroom western wing as their own, setting up one bedroom as an office. The master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe opens to its own patio and has a renovated en suite.

The ground floor also includes a laundry and toilet. Its internal-access double garage leads to a workshop where Tom likes to build things.

A dual entry staircase leads up to two bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes, a separate toilet and a family bathroom.

Above this is Emma's bedroom, which opens to a sunny upper deck and could serve as a second master bedroom.

Image 1 of 6: 23 Kingfisher Grove, Greenhithe.

A gravel path from a gate at the bottom of the garden leads to an easy launch spot for small boats to be launched into an estuary off the creek.

The couple feel it's time for the next stage of their lives and feel confident another family will adore living here.