The family of the home were sitting together on the grass of a property nearby.
The house looked completely gutted from the front, with the lower windows blown and cracks through the top story window.
The garage door and the front door of the house were destroyed. The majority of the outside of the house was discoloured from the fire.
Papamoa fire chief Allan Bicker said the property had a "fair bit of damage to it".
He said the family were out at the time.
Photo/Bent JansenFire investigator Jon Rewi said everything inside the house had been completely destroyed.
He was yet to determine what caused the fire and would be returning to the scene tomorrow morning to continue the investigation.
Neighbour Kerran Te Kani said he was relieved no one was harmed.
House fire on Dixon Road Papamoa. Photo James SmithA couple who lived across the street said they saw smoke and fire coming out through the windows of the house for about 15 minutes.