While many traditional holiday hideaways north of Auckland are no longer hidden at all, Helena Bay at Teal Bay – on the gorgeous Oakura Coast – just 33km from Whangarei, is still a down-to-earth gem and 26 Owai Avenue is a typical, laid-back kiwi beach house in every sense.
The four-bedroom beachside home, which has an RV of $1.75 million, is currently under contract.
Listed by Mackys Real Estate Limited – Bayleys, Whangarei, marketing agent Roi Smith-Iri says Teal Bay is somewhat of an exclusive location, with its handful of residences.
“There have only been four real estate sales here in the past five years – and that includes land,” she says.
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Smith-Iri says that properties are tightly held in the area, partly because of strong family connections that see them passing seamlessly from one generation to another. Some families have been coming here since the 1950s and have several baches between them.
“It’s an incredibly friendly place, where everybody gets together for Friday night drinks, and this is a great opportunity to become part of it all.”
Being simple and uncomplicated in style, the 216sqm home is easy to clean so seawater and sand on the floors is never a problem. It makes very effective use of space, which is great for welcoming extended family and friends for summer celebrations – or even temperate winter escapes.
The homeowners put in a new kitchen and have redecorated in a cool, coastal style. Photo / Supplied
Two master suites, each with its own bathroom and balcony access are bright, comfortable and practical, while a further two bedrooms make shared use of the family bathroom.
The current owners bought the property from its previous resident, an elderly doctor, around nine years ago and have enjoyed a significant amount of precious family time there since, along with their three daughters.
“People never leave Teal so we’re all still the new kids on the block,” the owners say.
The couple put in a gorgeous new kitchen and have redecorated generally, all in a cool, coastal style. The family has made lifelong friends in the settlement and their house has been a magnet to visitors, young and old. They say that the garage is a wonderful space for entertaining large numbers. On occasion they’ve had about 35 people for major celebrations, and everything has gone perfectly.
The owners are also very pleased with the new secure, lockable boatshed which allows them to easily drive in on their tractor, towing the boat.
The 216sqm home is right on the beach, has hosted several family celebrations and has a lockable boatshed. Photo / Supplied
Some of the full-time residents at Helena Bay operate an excellent Neighbourhood Watch network. Photo / Supplied
“We’ve really enjoyed taking it out and exploring all the little bays around here,” they say, adding that seeing orcas and dolphins while swimming has been another big highlight – especially for their girls.
“We also love going to Helena Bay Gallery and Café, and the Oakura dairy has a great range of groceries.”
The couple says that the settlement area is very secure and some residents who live there full-time operate an excellent Neighbourhood Watch network.
“We think we can safely say that we know the majority of people in the community,” the owners say.
They and their daughters are about to pursue a new lifestyle offshore and admit that a little part of them is wavering.
“But it’s the right thing to do, and time for a change.”
- Sponsored by Bayleys
