Discovering the peaceful beauty of Wattle Bay at the northern end of Awhitu Peninsula led a couple to build their dream home, revelling in panoramic views.
It started with couple Anna and Eric buying a Wattle Bay bach 20 years ago to be an easily-reached weekend bolthole, away from their city lives.
Anna says: “The couple who sold to us said ‘you do realise you have bought a piece of paradise, don’t you?’.”
The pair agreed, going on to re-organise their lives to work from home from the location and buying neighbouring section 17C on which to build their dream permanent home.
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That dream home at 17C Dodd Road in Wattle Bay, Awhitu Peninsula, Franklin, is now on the market for sale by auction on March 1. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom home has a 2021 RV of $1.15 million. The property last changed hands in 2007 for $350,000.
Anna says: “With a location and views such as this, every single day since we have been grateful we made that decision.”
The home they had architect Jann Hurley design for them is now 13 years old, celebrating its headland position 90 minutes’ drive from Auckland City.
“We love how peaceful and private it is and the amazing, constantly changing views of sea, sky and trees.”
The couple were in their 50s when they built the 184sqm home, not needing a massive layout but opting for high quality specifications as they intended to be here for a very long time.
The single-level, 184sqm home has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a double garage with internal-access. Photo / Supplied
The single-level home with internal-access double garage and double glazing is cedar, stained blue-grey to complement its environment. It sits on 2449sqm of land some 40 minutes’ drive from Waiuku township, emphasising lawn and appropriate native plantings.
Anna says: “We specifically wanted two quite separate wings to the house, to give both us and guests our own space.”
Its L-shaped layout organised around a central open-plan living-dining-kitchen maximises the sun while bestowing this separation, plus shelter and privacy from neighbours.
“It’s rare for an elevated coastal site with views such as this to have such a sunny, sheltered aspect, protected from all but northerly winds.”
There’s an alternate deck on the opposite side of the home. Living and both bedrooms spill out onto a large covered deck orientated for the view and ideal for socialising.
“It’s hard to get people inside when they’re out on our deck admiring the amazing, expansive view. There are lots of fishing boats out there and breath-taking night sky vistas.”
The section measures 2449sqm and is some 40 minutes’ drive from Waiuku township. Photo / Supplied
The homeowners are typically alerted to passing pods of orcas a couple of times a year by their blowhole noises. Photo / Supplied
A sizeable purpose-built office has shuttered bifolding internal windows which open into the kitchen-dining area. They handpicked a glorious piece of granite to top the island in the designer kitchen, teaming it with stainless satin benches.
Both bedrooms are orientated for the view.
The master suite has a walk-in wardrobe, ensuite and additional powder room. The second bedroom in the other wing lies opposite a bathroom, laundry and storage.
The couple have enjoyed the healthy environment with local beach walks and swimming at Wattle Bay. There’s a large variety of birdlife and they’re typically alerted to passing pods of orcas a couple of times a year by their blowhole noises.
They’ve also found it easy to work from home here with a stable internet connection.
Sadly, for health reasons they must farewell their property, which they’ve truly found to be a slice of paradise.
Barfoot & Thompson agent Stanley Armon says: “This unique, beautifully designed home has been fastidiously maintained. If you are seeking a new way of life surrounded by beauty, outstanding sea views and peacefulness, then this magical property is definitely for you.”
