Immersed in nature, overlooking inner Kaipara Harbour and surrounded by spectacular scenery, it’s hard to believe that this unique home on 4500sqm started life as a 1952 railway cottage, almost two hours’ drive away, in the Auckland suburb of Glen Innes.
“It had been extended in 1998 and we moved it out here in 2016, then rewired and replumbed it,” says current owner David, adding that the interior has been completely reimagined.
63 Otara Road in Kaiwaka, Kaipara, is for sale by way of negotiation. The property has a 2020 RV of $750,000 and, according to OneRoof data, it last changed hands in 2016 for $275,000.
“The house is 26 metres long which was perfect for the site and all the bedrooms are south-facing while the living is north-facing, and every room has a sea view. In fact, in the kitchen, dining and living rooms there are sea views both sides.”
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A semi-retired builder, from the United Kingdom, David has a great affinity for texture, which he has introduced throughout the property, often in very unexpected ways.
“I think homes should have a curiosity factor, which is why all the rooms have their own personality – rather than just painting everything white.”
Accordingly, for example, all three bathrooms (including one in the self-contained 1965 cottage, which was the original house on the site) are quite different.
The homeowner says all the bedrooms are south-facing while the living is north-facing, and every room has a sea view. Photo / Supplied
In an absolute labour of love, David cut down 100-year-old Imperial bricks sourced from Hamilton for one bathroom. Having attached them to the wall, he experimented with various materials including mortar, lime, orange sand from Mangawhai and white cement, to create the aged finish he was looking for – rounding out the room with tactile hessian wallpaper.
The two further bathrooms, one in concrete and the other in dramatic black slate also brim with character. Exposed brick features again in the kitchen – David thinks that his love of this particular building material comes from visiting centuries-old British homes during his childhood.
“I prefer it when things aren’t perfect – it’s good to see idiosyncrasies.”
Cleverly laid-out, the semi galley-style kitchen is an integral part of the light-filled main living and dining area.
David and wife Eing are keen entertainers and often have friends to stay. They say that there’s plenty of space for four couples to cook, eat, and be convivial. “Nobody misses out when there’s a party.”
The exposed brick features in the kitchen, the bathrooms and the wrap-around deck. Photo / Supplied
Apart from the main house, there is a separate cottage which all overlook inner Kaipara Harbour and sit in spectacular greenery. Photo / Supplied
Out on the spectacular wrap-around deck – guess what? The sides are brick walls. “That’s something nobody expects to see,” laughs David.
He and Eing decided to add outdoor blinds to this space so they can use it all year round. He says they especially like being out there during thunderstorms. “It feels as if you’re in a little protected bubble, all comfortable and dry.”
He says that the nearest boat ramp is just 4kms away and the local fishing is excellent. When they’re not at home – or on the water, David and Eing like to explore the countryside. “We drive 35 minutes to Mangawhai for lunch on Saturdays and Waipu isn’t too far away either.”
David says that this wonderful property is now a “task accomplished” and it’s time to explore the next chapter in the couple’s life.
Amanda Bond, of Bayleys, Mangawhai, who is marketing the property with Tracy Dalzell, says that the property is a credit to David and Eing, and the separate cottage is a great bonus.
“At the moment it would be great as an art studio – or for guests and extended family.”
- Sponsored by Bayleys
