The home incorporates many angles which aren't the standard 90 degrees, which John finds give it interesting perspectives.
The property is fully fenced, which is handy now grandchildren love to visit. Its driveway gates open to reveal expansive off-street parking with a separate double garage, plus a single internal-access garage.
A towering cedar entrance frames the front door, opening into a tiled foyer, followed by the atrium. This striking central atrium enclosed in abundant glass is warm all year round. It's double height and incorporates an indoor spa pool and doors to outside.
The family's youngest daughter married in the atrium. One of her cousins married in the striking grounds. The solar-heated swimming pool extends along the home's northern side.
The rest of the house is spread across a wing on one side of the atrium and three levels on the other.
The main living level unfurls between its dreamy ocean views at front and rear shutters over the atrium. Standing in its TV room, John says: "I like looking from this room through to the atrium, particularly at night. It looks like an Italian street scene." The main lounge spills out on to a front triangular deck and incorporates some of the interior's abundant marble around its gas fireplace.
"I'm always happy when I come home," says John. "You get here and sit down with a glass of wine and look out to sea."
The land's subtle slope delivers elevated water views without sacrificing privacy. The beachside fence fronting their lawn incorporates a secure gate opening directly on to the sand.
Alongside the lounge is the front dining room with a square travertine marble dining table which seats eight and is included in the sale (as are several other extra chattels). Designer Sue Gillbanks' expansive kitchen with Corian benches - which won a National Kitchen and Bathroom Association Kitchen of the Year Award - completes this level.
Wide steps from the atrium reveal the lower level's expansive casual lounge, with fireplace, admiring the pool. Off it are a guest bedroom, toilet, laundry and travertine-rich bathroom. Yet another bedroom fronts this level.
"It is a great family home. The kids could be having a raging party downstairs and yet we couldn't hear a thing - or vice versa."
An open staircase up from the atrium leads to the parents' retreat with its own deck, big walk-in wardrobe and polished bathroom overlooking the waves. On the other side of the atrium is a temperature-controlled teak wine cellar, a family bathroom and two bedrooms with mezzanine levels offering flexibility for studying or having friends to stay.
John says the house was perfect for his family when his daughters were at home, but is now larger than is needed.
