Built by renowned artist Tom Burnett, this Northland coast hideaway is a palette of peacefulness. VICKI HOLDER takes in the views.
The Tutukaka Coast used to be one of Northland's best-kept secrets. Its closeness to the Poor Knights Islands for diving, the warm sea currents for game fishing, the open sandy beaches for surfing and the restfulness of a land kissed by the sea on one side and rich farmland on the other, ensured it would not be kept secret for long.
The beaches are still often deserted, however, though the odd helicopter lifting off hints that there may be more than one exclusive retreat hidden in the hills.
Perched on top of an idyllic hill overlooking Matapouri Bay, this exotic hideaway has 360-degree views of the surrounding coast and land. Set on 8ha that meander down to the estuary, this is a home has privacy without foresaking any of the natural beauty. Built by renowned New Zealand artist Tom Burnett as a family home and work space, it offers the relaxed living and light airy spaces you would expect of a home designed by an artist.
Also sharing the land is a popular gallery, which is the only place in Northland where people can buy Tom's paintings and prints, along with furniture made by Jenny Hill. This gallery would make an ideal separate living space, or could be converted to a cafe where the public would be treated to wonderful views to the Poor Knights Island through a gateway in the wall that separates the house from the public area.
Those lucky enough to be invited through would find themselves on a flat lawn, surrounded by landscaped subtropical gardens.
Entry into the Mediterranean-style house is through large sliding glass doors. All the doors and windows are built to maximise the views yet their generous proportions are in keeping with the rest of the house.
The house itself is plastered, with oregon timber floors throughout and ceiling heights ranging from 3m to 4m, depending on which level you are on. The living areas are open and flow from the main lounge, which has built-in window seats, down a few steps to the another living and dining space. This area has sliding doors which disappear into the walls, opening the entire space to the deck outside.
The kitchen is kept separate by a breakfast bar, with a slow combustion fireplace at one end. The focus is on comfortable, relaxed entertaining. Guests often perch their Pimms on the kitchen bench while sitting outside. The kitchen is a dream for any chef who loves to entertain, with well-planned cupboards, a pantry, wall-oven, separate hobs and a dishwasher.
The master bedroom has match-lined walls, with almost floor to ceiling glass doors opening on to a private balcony which floats over the native bush below. If watching the sunrise between the islands of the Poor Knights from your bed ever gets boring, you could always hop into the spa bath, beside a wall of glass with views across the bush and up the surrounding valley.
This is not a place for a rushed lifestyle. However, if you feel the need to hurry, there's a separate shower. Naturally, the wall includes picture windows with views across the neighbouring farmland.
Even the laundry opens on to a deck, providing easy access to the washing line and vegetable garden.
There are two other double bedrooms - one on a mezzanine floor with views to the sea and inland. The other is off the main living area, with views across the decks to the rear of the house and up the valley.
Two studios complete the house. One was used for printmaking and is large enough to be split into two or three bedrooms. The other, smaller studio has an entrance to the rear and steps down into the main living area.
Nearly two of the 8ha can be subdivided into two house sites. About 5ha are covered in native bush. This is an exquisite piece of what is becoming an exclusive coastline and would provide a wonderful family lifestyle, holiday retreat or home stay.
VITAL STATISTICS
Address: Clements Rd, Matapouri
Features: Artist's home overlooking Matapouri Bay; three bedrooms plus two large studios; separate garage and on-site gallery, 94 sq m of decks, subtropical landscaped gardens, 360-degree views, open-plan living
Size: Land 8ha; house 185 sq m
Price: $750,000
Agent: Jill Kearney, Bayleys, Whangarei. Ph 09 438 2715 bus or 025 968 566 mob.
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