Scottish couple Gordon and Karen Mackenzie came across the idyllic section while visiting their son in their former home New Zealand and were taken in by the view.
Having just received an unsolicited yet hard-to-refuse offer on their recently completed dream home in Spain, they decided to sell up and do it again in Northland.
Built from the ground up, the Mackenzies based their modern design at 48b Garbolino Road in Mangawhai on a house they had seen in the United States, rejigged for their section and needs with the help of their architect Joe Long.
Of special importance were taking full advantage of the incredible ocean views with plenty of windows and a range of outdoor areas for entertaining and relaxing whatever the weather.
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“We’ve got fantastic views from east to west. You know it’s pretty darn impressive,” Gordon says.
In this home, the kitchen is the star of the show with the striking waterfall countertop and bar area made from the couple’s first purchase for the home – grey Italian marble.
Plenty of glass windows and outdoor entertaining areas take full advantage of the sea and rural views. Photo / Supplied
Inspired by the muted tones of the marble are the Moroccan linen drapes; the Mackenzies note that they focused on quality in every aspect of building their home.
“When you build it for yourself people actually recognise that. You know we haven’t scrimped here,” Gordon says.
The open plan kitchen flows through to their take on a great room, separate from the two-bedroom wings for the owners and their guests. Also present throughout the property are aspirational additions like the movie-star dressing room (so large a builder thought it might be a garage), spacious scullery, and an outdoor kitchen.
There are also many thoughtful personal touches like raised appliances in the laundry, a media room for rowdy football viewing and outdoor heating for cooler nights.
The property has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a double garage. Photo / Supplied
The homeowners found this idyllic section in Northland while on holiday visiting their son. Photo / Supplied
“It is a stunning near new home with everything that you could imagine really. It’s just so superior,” Bayleys real estate agent Laureen Hayes says.
“This is a very, very special property. It’s a bit of a secret. I don’t think anybody realises where it is and what it offers.” Hayes is marketing this property with Letitia Partridge.
Gordon loves admiring the view in the serene privacy offered by the property, particularly on the deck in the orchard surrounded by the many fruit trees they have cultivated.
“I look around and I don’t see my neighbours – it is that private,” Gordon says. “Nobody looks over us as we’re the highest point. We’re king of the hill.”
There is a deck in the orchard surrounded by fruit trees which provide serene privacy. Photo / Supplied
Mangawhai’s golfing opportunities are mentioned by both Gordon and Laureen – the sport has taken root in the area and the community of golfers is certain to grow with the opening of the Te Arai Links in the not-too-distant future.
“It’s so relaxed and it’s just quite sublime actually,” says Gordon of the area’s lifestyle. “I sometimes just pinch myself.”
Life has changed since the Mackenzies bought their Mangawhai section three years ago, and though they only recently completed the final touches to their home, the birth of their grandchild has convinced them to move closer to family.
“I just hope that whoever buys it is going to be as happy as we are,” Gordon says.
48b Garbolino Road in Mangawhai, Kaipara is for sale by tender, closing April 28.
