Having bought their spectacular 5.19-hectare Woodside Bay section on Waiheke Island in 2000, John and Angela Goodwin essentially camped there for a decade, getting the feel of the land and its surroundings – which include sensational Hauraki Gulf views to Ponui and Passage Rock, as well as Whakanewha Bay – before starting construction of their dream home around 12 years ago.
The couple put a huge amount of love and care into the dwelling’s unique design, which comprises a family of buildings, set around a central courtyard, and including elegant guest accommodation, plus a barn.
“We wanted only the best in everything,” says lawyer Angela, who was in charge of interior design, while landscape architect John oversaw the gardens.
She and John are both passionate about the quality heritage materials including the real French oak and Italian limestone that they’ve used throughout the house. “They really do age beautifully,” she says.
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Enormous living areas on the main level include an open-plan kitchen with soaring ceilings, which incorporates relaxed casual family and dining space.
In addition, there’s a formal dining room, separate lounge and a large sunny office. Downstairs is the luxury master suite, complete with a giant walk-in wardrobe and ensuite.
Enormous living areas on the main level include an open-plan kitchen with soaring ceilings.
The 5.19ha Woodside Bay section includes sensational Hauraki Gulf views to Ponui and Passage Rock, as well as Whakanewha Bay.
The private Luxury Blue Room and Luxury Green Room, which have been very popular on Booking.com – garnering a host of rave reviews from local and international guests, are attached to the main house but cleverly separated by means of a kitchenette and utility room. Each has its own bathroom and private deck.
379F Gordons Road in Woodside Bay, Waiheke Island, is on the market for sale by auction on June 29. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom property has a 2021 CV of $5.8 million.
While the house and garden are undoubtedly an attractive proposition, the property offers another intriguing bonus – 200 olive trees, planted and tended by the couple. Despite being a small, boutique offering, John and Angela’s olive oil has enjoyed international success – including a Gold Award at the 2020 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition.
“It was held in New York, during the New Zealand Covid lockdown so we couldn’t attend it ourselves, but winning was still a huge thrill,” says Angela, who credits John’s expert horticultural skills for keeping their trees healthy and productive.
The Goodwins are selling their much-loved estate as part of a life move to downsize.
The owners are selling their beloved property to downsize.
The property has 200 olive trees which converted into a successful olive oil venture, winning a Gold Award at the 2020 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition in New York..
“We need to free up some of our time because we’re still busy working professionals and we feel it’s the right time to find a smaller, lock-up-and-leave property,” says John.
He adds that the aspect of Woodside Bay he’ll probably miss most is the views of the Destiny Bay Vineyards next door and glimpses of the city from the top of the drive.
“I’ve become very aware of the sky – both day and night – and have been taking lots of snaps so I will remember it,” he says. “It still amazes us that this wonderful lifestyle feels like a true escape, yet it’s just eight minutes to the local supermarket and Onetangi Beach – and only 15 to 20 minutes to the ferry.”
Francine Sweet, of New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, says that she sold Waiheke’s highest value residential property nearby, in 2021, and can attest to how special the exclusive Woodside Bay enclave is.
“John and Angela built their property themselves and made it what they wanted. It’s such a beautiful area; sheltered and north-facing and their olive trees are highly sought after.”
- 379F Gordons Road in Woodside Bay, Waiheke Island, goes to auction on June 29
