When a Wellington solicitor asked his wife of more than 40 years where she’d like to retire he was taken aback with her reply “Waiheke Island”.
He expected the idea would come to nothing but she started taking regular house hunting trips up to the island, declaring she’d found the perfect place in this Oneroa home with sweeping sea views.
One of the couple’s daughters says, “Dad decided the time had come for desperate measures and despatched two of my brothers to the island to view the property, and on their return to tell mum she was mad.
“The plan came unstuck when they told mum they loved the place, it would be a great move and she should do as she pleased.”
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The home is north-facing and the expansive deck is perfect for entertaining and summer dining. Photo / Supplied
That was 23 years ago and the children say the move was an unqualified and enduring success for their parents, who have now both passed away.
They enjoyed the wide views of the beach and water from 169 Ocean View Road in Oneroa on Waiheke Island, sitting in a slightly elevated position one back from Oneroa Beach, an easy walk from Oneroa Village.
They extensively renovated and extended the single-storey weatherboard home before moving in, under the guidance of architect Megan Edwards.
“They could not have been happier,” their daughter says. “Every morning between November and April, mum and her neighbour would go to the beach to swim.
169 Ocean View Road has been owned by the same family for 23 years. Photo / Supplied
“Mum also made frequent trips to the library and cinema just up the road, and the shops and restaurants of Oneroa were close at hand. Dad developed the garden and he also set up an office in Oneroa. The ferry at Matiatia being so close at hand enabled them to make frequent trips to Auckland.”
The home is completely private from the street, sitting on 825sqm of land starting with a double carport and private front courtyard-garden.
Its open-plan living-dining and the kitchen are on the opposite side of the home, flowing out to a front deck celebrating the view.
The property sits on a slightly elevated position one back from Oneroa Beach and has sweeping views of the bay. Photo / Supplied
“The home is north-facing and the expansive deck is perfect for entertaining and summer dining,” their daughter says. “The sweep of the bay is visible from the open plan living-dining room, and the deck. They loved the living area being so sunny and warm in summer or winter.”
The couple’s extension created the master bedroom and an additional bathroom. “The master bedroom opens to its own small deck with sea views and an outdoor shower, great for rinsing off after a swim.”
The layout also includes two other bedrooms and a bathroom-laundry. The couple’s seven children visited this property often, revelling in the island’s balmy climate and laid-back atmosphere.
169 Ocean View Road in Oneroa, Waiheke Island, has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a carport for two vehicles. Photo / Supplied
“Our parents were determined to create a relaxed and inviting home, where all, particularly grandchildren, could enjoy themselves.”
Kellands agent Charles Collins, who is marketing the property with colleague Cathy Carter, says homes in such a sought-after Oneroa location seldom come to market.
“This property enjoys a spectacular, wide view of the beach and ocean with great proximity to Oneroa Village and all its cafes, restaurants and shops.”
169 Ocean View Road in Oneroa on Waiheke Island will be sold at auction on January 29.
