It becomes immediately obvious from the moment you arrive at the Fyfe family home in Bayswater that they are nautical people. It's not just because there's a model of an 1886 America's Cup yacht in their living room and a photo of a sailing boat in the kitchen.
The ship's mast that doubles as a flagpole and the extensive decking, reminiscent of that on board a ship, provide a few clues about the family's interest in boats and the water. Then there's the old rowboat suspended from the ceiling of the spa pool pavilion and the authentic ship's door with a porthole that opens to a storage area. The boathouse and ramp are the real clinchers.
Even the house, with the windows in the living and family rooms set on angles so you feel you're in the prow of a boat, seems distinctly nautical.
That's exactly what drew Todd and Pam Fyfe to it 15 years ago. The keen yachties, whose children Peter and Sarah were then teenagers, had been living in Howick, but wanted to be closer to the water.
"This place was ideal for us," says Todd. "As soon as I saw it I didn't want to look at anything else."
The elegant two-storey 1980s' home is tucked down a right-of-way and right on the water's edge. It's just a five-minute walk to Bayswater Marina, where Todd keeps his yacht. The Fyfes also have the luxury of their own boathouse, which has room for an Olympic class yacht and a replica antique rowing dinghy, so they can be on the water in minutes. The boatshed also has a deck and built-in bar, and is the perfect spot to enjoy a barbecue and watch the sun go down.
Image 1 of 7: Herald Homes
3a Beresford Street, Bayswater.
The architecturally-designed house needed very little work although Pam and Todd have redecorated over the years, bought new appliances and put in a new upstairs bathroom.
Their major work was laying over 230sq m of kwila decks and paths, which Todd did himself.
"It was my 60th birthday project," he says. "It was a big job but the best thing we did."
The outdoor areas, including courtyards off the kitchen and dining room, are used constantly throughout summer, and the main deck has stunning views through ancient pohutukawa across Waitemata Harbour to the harbour bridge and the Northern Motorway. There's a resort feel in the garden thanks to dozens of tropical plants: hibiscus, cycads, bromeliads and palm trees.
"This is a great house for entertaining," says Pam. "We've had quite a few parties here over the years."
As well as plenty of space on the deck for a knees-up, there's ample room inside. There is a spacious living room and adjoining dining area, plus a family room next to the kitchen.
The ground floor also includes a wing with two bedrooms and a study -- which the Fyfes use as another bedroom -- plus a bathroom and laundry and the double garage.
Upstairs, the master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and generous en suite, and opens to a deck.
Next door a large space that could be a fifth bedroom was used by previous owners as another lounge. It has served Pam and Todd as an office for their roofing and plumbing business, giving them a picturesque water view from their desks.
Just about all of the rooms, upstairs and down, have access to outdoors, and clever use of glass throughout the house, including skylights, mean it is light and bright.
Pam and Todd are selling because now that they're retiring, they're looking forward to "going off on adventures", including spending lots of time on their yacht.
