Graeme and Querida Smith have a long-standing love of Mangawhai, so it was only fitting they would build the home of their dreams here. And that’s precisely what they did at 34 Findlay Street.
Fortunate too, that they happened to find possibly the best spot in Mangawhai to build on, and an architect who delivered their brief, and some.
“We bought the property with its little bach in 1986 whilst Graeme was principal of Mangawhai Beach School. For many years we came up here most weekends and fell in love with this magical place. It was the perfect escape from our life in Auckland,” says Querida.
In 2007, Querida and Graeme built what would be intended for their retirement. They enlisted architect Phillipa Johnson to conceive a space that would take full advantage of the sun and views, without blemishing the land and coastal surrounds.
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The answer was a home formed from a seamless combination of hinuera stone, cedar and asphalt shingle roofing.
34 Findlay Street in Mangawhai Heads, Kaipara, is now on the market for sale by tender closing February 29. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom property has a 2023 RV of $3.1 million.
The homeowners enlisted architect Phillipa Johnson to conceive a space that would take full advantage of the sun and views. Photo / Supplied
An extensive deck wraps around the home allowing residents and visitors to fully appreciate the views and soak in the sun. Photo / Supplied
“Phillipa did a wonderful job of creating a home that, as someone said at the time, was grounded in its environment. She created stunning visual appeal by wrapping the house around the front of the section so that virtually every room has amazing views up the estuary, and across to the sandspit, big dune and ocean,” says Querida.
It’s apparent that a sense of flow was at the top of the architect’s mind when designing the home.
Kitchen, dining and living are placed in an open-planned area. Bi-folding windows and doors throughout display the entire outlook, complimented by a uniform, off-white palette.
An extensive deck wraps around the home meeting the master bedroom on the same floor. A second outdoor entertaining area extends from the opposite wing, protected by a louvred shelter and equipped with an outdoor fireplace. Upstairs, the remaining three bedrooms provide a separated guest area and produce the same flawless views.
A second outdoor entertaining area is protected by a louvred shelter and equipped with an outdoor fireplace. Photo / Supplied
The homeowner says: “We have an endless changing seascape, amazing sunrises, and sunsets reflecting on the dune. We never tire of the enjoyment that brings.” Photo / Supplied
“We have an endless changing seascape, amazing sunrises, and sunsets reflecting on the dune. Every day and every hour the view changes and we never tire of the enjoyment that brings. People tell us we have one of the best views in Mangawhai,” says Querida.
Certainly, the couple have enjoyed an exceptional location. The appeal of its proximity to the shops, the golf course, the bowling club and The Club has made it the perfect spot for the pair who say it will be very difficult to replace.
“This has truly been our happy place, but sadly it is time to move closer to family and let go of what has been our very special home,” says Querida.
Ray White agent Shane Romani says, “Buyers are amazed when they walk in the front door and take in the view. Everything is within walking distance, yet you are immersed in a private setting when you are in the property. It’s like escaping to a world of your own.”
- 34 Findlay Street in Mangawhai Heads, Kaipara, is for sale by tender closing February 29
