45 Maire Rd, Orewa, Auckland. Photo / Getty Images
Traffic and life itself was getting busier around Kim and Fiona Lyons' Campbells Bay property, so six years ago they moved up the coast, where an increasing portion of their business as mortgage brokers was based.
Fiona says: "We wanted to have a more relaxed, chilled-out lifestyle with time for things like walking."
They were getting more clients from around Orewa anyway, and they were accumulating a swag of leisure-time "toys", including a boat and Kim's three motorbikes.
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"We first came here on a stunning day and walked in and said 'Wow, look at that view' — sea for miles, blue sky and a bit of surf coming in," says Fiona. "It was so perfect for us. I was already positioning in my head where our furniture would go."
The two-storey, concrete block and weatherboard house had two street entrances.
The second, from Grovenor Drive, has proved ideal for parking the boat and bikes, and also suited the campervan.
About 15 minutes' walk from the beach, the house is on a street with shops, primary school and gas station, and is handy to the motorway.
Kim says: "It also feels incredibly private, as you're elevated looking out over other properties rather than having them look in on you."
They've re-painted inside and out, re-carpeted, upgraded bathrooms and added timber walkways on either side of the house.
They also added a timber shed for Kim's bikes, a cantilevered lower deck with a spa pool (included in this sale), and abundant native planting that attracts birdlife.
Kim says: "One of my favourite things is to sit in the spa pool with a beer after a busy day, listening to the tuis in a nearby pohutukawa."
Walk into the foyer and you immediately look at ocean views. Living flows outdoors to front decks.
The kitchen-dining has stone benchtops and a butler's pantry, while its adjoining living area has a gas fire and an air-conditioning unit.
The master bedroom has en suite and walk-in wardrobe and also opens to the front deck.
The couple's two children are no longer at home, so Kim and Fiona have been able to utilise more of the house.
For instance, Fiona has a new role for one of the bedrooms — it serves as a chat room where she and her girlfriends can enjoy a glass of wine, especially when the rugby's on and the boys are gathered in front of the TV elsewhere. Also on this level are a bathroom incorporating a separate toilet and the carpeted double garage with laundry.
Downstairs may suit a work-from-home set-up or a place for teenagers.
Its lounge has a separate entrance and opens to the lower deck, portions of which are covered.
Completing the floor plan are a family bathroom and three bedrooms, one of which Fiona uses as her work-from-home office for their business, First Rate Mortgages.
The house has plenty of storage, supplemented by Kim's "man cave" area.
He's chairman of the local business association and the couple have noticed the increasing vibrancy of Orewa's eateries and other entertainment venues over the years.
They now have a boat too large to keep onsite and Kim's not riding his three dirt bikes much these days.
The main reason they are re-locating is to be nearer their first grandchild, Sam.
Kim and Fiona are building a home in Millwater, only a couple of minutes' walk from Sam and his parents.
45 MAIRE RD, OREWA
• 5 bedrooms, 3 bathroom, 2 parking spaces.
• Land 1220sq m, House 258sq m.
• Price: CV $1,675,000.
• Inspect: Sun 2-2.45pm.
• Auction: 1pm Thur 4 Oct at 14 Florence Ave, Orewa (unless sold prior).
• Schools: Orewa School, Orewa College.
• Contact: Janne Adams, 021 508 098, Bayleys, oneroof.co.nz/1189687