An extraordinary feat of construction and bespoke design, this brand-new residence is the latest jewel in the crown of the coveted Whangamata beachfront.
It savours a prime position, nestled at the heart of the stretch between Hauturu (Clark) Island and the estuary, next to the Whangamatā Domain Recreation Reserve.
Offering six bedrooms, four bathrooms, two powder rooms, a media room and yoga studio sprawled across a 381.9sqm floorplan, it is a unique and highly functional work of art.
100 Pipi Road in Whangamata, Thames-Coromandel, is up for sale by tender closing March 1. The six-bedroom, four-bathroom beachfront home has a 2020 RV of $4.28 million and, according to OneRoof data, it last changed hands in 2003 for $1.85m.
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The 809sqm property is owned by a Kiwi family who reside in London, says the locally-based project manager, Gerry Glover, who oversaw every step of the three-year build process.
“They purchased the original bach in September 2003 and used to come out here with their five children for family holidays. They liked the laidback feeling and that it offered such a contrast from their busy lives in London.
“It was a plaster house that served their needs well for many years, but it had a very small front balcony – so part of the design brief for the new home was to take full advantage of the beautiful views,” Glover says. And that it does.
“I’ve been there a lot and it catches my breath very time, it’s unbelievable.”
The 809sqm beachfront property savours a prime position next to the Whangamata Domain Recreation Reserve. Photo / Supplied
Sitting harmoniously within the coastal landscape, the home is crafted and finished utilising a palette of natural materials. This creates a beautifully elegant, pared-back aesthetic that’s practical enough for beachside living – think assorted cedars and oak anchored with tilt slab concrete.
“The owners wanted something that seamlessly fitted in with the environment and were inspired by the colours of the sand and the dune planting.”
As added peace of mind for anyone questioning the beachfront location, the project manager says, “it’s reached Code of Compliance and a big part of that is that it’s met all the requirements of the RMA Coastal Erosion Plan.”
Sustainability was also a key consideration in the build. The home boasts a powerful 15kW solar system, which offers renewable energy across all three phases, and an innovative EV charger, intelligently set to utilise surplus solar energy.
The build process was a labour of love – a quest for perfection that wasn’t without its hurdles.
“We were hit with supply issues and State Highway 25 closing, so it has certainly been a bit of a journey to get to this point.”
However, collaborating with an exceptional team did make it a rewarding one. Kevin Garrity and his team from Edinbridge Resources undertook the construction.
“They were amazing to work with – they enjoyed and embraced the challenges that the unique build presented and all the custom features that are incorporated into the design.”
Plus, their track record is outstanding.
Project manager Gerry Glover says: “The owners wanted something that seamlessly fitted in with the environment and were inspired by the colours of the sand and the dune planting.” Photo / Supplied
The top floor’s open-plan living, dining and kitchen space captures the most dramatic connection with the water. Photo / Supplied
“In 2023 they won House of the Year Gold for a build they did in Whangamata in the $2-4m bracket. The design was done by architectural designer Peter Lochhead, with assistance from Kane Lochhead, who is a mechanical engineer. He was responsible for the moving elements of the house.”
These moving components provide customisable protection from the weather as well as privacy, which will come in particularly handy if this is purchased as a holiday home.
These include the ground floor Kwila decks that can be lifted up and enclosed via an interior winch system, the three cedar-lined sliding roof panels above the six-metre upper deck that can also be winched open or closed, and the shutters that shield the rear bedrooms.
While the ocean vistas have been masterfully maximised in most areas, it’s the top floor’s open-plan living, dining and kitchen space that captures the most dramatic connection with the water.
A wall of glass stacking doors opens up completely and glass balustrades leave the outlook uninterrupted. The huge kitchen is a social hub and boasts double Miele under-bench ovens, twin Miele dishwashers, composite stone benchtops and a butler’s pantry.
A small walkway arrives at the accommodation wing, where three bedrooms are serviced by two bathrooms, and enormous master enjoys a luxury spa-style ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and private office.
Ground floor Kwila decks can be lifted up via an interior winch system, the three cedar-lined sliding roof panels above the six-metre upper deck can also be winched and shutters shield the rear bedrooms. Photo / Supplied
The ground floor’s sealed concrete floor is heated, while the wide hallway’s doors are all recessed, push-close, for a sleek, streamlined look. There are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a media room with kitchenette and yoga studio down here, as well as internal garage access.
The decision to sell has not been taken lightly.
“The family’s circumstances have changed. As the children are now older – for the seven of them to holiday together it’s not so easy. The owner has said that ‘it’s a house that deserves to be lived in. I can’t do it justice anymore, so I’ll finish the build and let someone else create new memories’.”
Bayleys salesperson Lea Jurkovich, who is marketing 100 Pipi Road, in Whangamata, with Dale Sholson, says this is a remarkably rare and exciting opportunity for the area.
“This is a one-off. These places do not come up on the beach. Someone will buy something exceptional here and it’s being presented to them on a plate – all the craftsmanship, design, build and the emotional investment from the vendors.”
- Sponsored by Bayleys
