An annual summer visit to New Zealand – early in 2020, brought unexpected surprises for American couple Mark and his husband Ron, who’ve been residents here since 2004.

“We arrived at the end of February, and in March they closed the borders.

“Like everybody else we had no idea how long the lockdown would go on for and while we loved our Herne Bay home, we asked our agent to find us something special on Waiheke Island as an alternative,” says Mark.

That something took the form of an innovative design by eminent architect Dominic Glamuzina.

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Constructed in the late 2000s, it was initially controversial, with a local council candidate describing the unique copper cladding on the upper level as a “crime against humanity”.

Over the years the copper has mellowed and become less shiny while the house itself – affectionately known as Copper Top, has stood the test of time, proving to be immensely liveable, with vast amounts of space and sensational views to the Coromandel and Rangitoto.

In addition, the property, which is set on 1.09 hectares, includes a caretaker’s house and a separate, self-contained guest studio.

“We ended up staying here for 21 months and spent a lot of time on the island – getting a real feel for this home before undertaking a major renovation,” says Mark.

“It’s all trapezoids inside, which is very unusual and posed certain challenges because nothing’s square, but our interior designer worked miracles – even having custom rugs specially made.”

89 Nick Johnstone Drive in Oneroa, Waiheke

One of the homeowners says: “It’s all trapezoids inside ... but our interior designer worked miracles – even having custom rugs specially made.”

89 Nick Johnstone Drive in Oneroa, Waiheke

The interior features a superbly equipped designer kitchen at its heart.

Designed for easy waterside living, the interior features a superbly equipped designer kitchen at its heart, surrounded by various living areas, all cleverly arranged in order to provide rooms for numerous people to congregate, as well as places for privacy.

Three generous bedrooms all enjoy ensuite bathrooms and bonus attributes include a combined library and office, as well as a second lounge – and even an art gallery.

The property has a boatshed/workshop and a pool with multiple features, along with patios and decks for relaxing and attractive, mature, native plantings.

Mark explains that the decision to sell was difficult, but he and Ron still have property in the US, plus their Auckland townhouse.

During their extended stay in New Zealand, they belatedly discovered their life’s true passion and bought a boat, on which they now plan to spend most of their time here.

89 Nick Johnstone Drive in Oneroa, Waiheke

Pene Milne, of NZ Sotheby’s International Realty, says: “You can literally see the ferries arriving at Matiatia Wharf and it’s just a short drive to Kennedy Point if you want to bring or take your car across.”

89 Nick Johnstone Drive in Oneroa, Waiheke

Three generous bedrooms all have ensuite bathrooms in the main residence, and two self-contained living spaces provide more accommodation options.

“Our Waiheke home is much, much more than just a bach and we feel it needs owners who will embrace it permanently,” he says.

“Having had it ourselves for these few years – and improving it, has been a real joy and a privilege.”

Pene Milne, of NZ Sotheby’s International Realty, who is marketing the property, says the location is unbeatable.

“You can literally see the ferries arriving at Matiatia Wharf and it’s just a short drive to Kennedy Point if you want to bring or take your car across.

“Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant, and Cable Bay are right on the doorstep, and everything is north-facing for maximum sun.”

She adds that Dominic Glamuzina has been back to see the renovation and he really appreciates that Mark and Ron have so carefully retained the integrity of his original design.

89 Nick Johnstone Drive in Oneroa, Waiheke Island, is for sale by tender, closing February 27. The five-bedroom, five-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $9.8 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 2020 for $8.1m.

- Sponsored by NZ Sotheby’s International Realty