The first of the couple's two children (now aged 7 and 11) was then still a baby so it made sense to start small, with an eye on the future. They decided on a two-phase building plan which would give them one-level living while their daughter was little, eventually morphing into a two-storey home.
Scott aimed to give the home a modern bach aesthetic in the first phase, and a more sophisticated holiday-home feel in the second.
It's a simple layout, with a long, narrow footprint to make the most of the water views and sun.
Downstairs is an open-plan, casual living area, with a stylish kitchen flowing to a dining area and lounge with wood fire. The breezy feel of the pale walls and beech floors is cosied up with dark wood surrounding the kitchen island and fireplace.
Off this room is the original master bedroom. These days it's used as a second living area, with a recessed sliding door for separation when the adults and kids want to do their own thing. With an en suite bathroom tucked in behind, it also serves as guest accommodation.
Almost every downstairs room - including the two children's bedrooms and a bathroom with freestanding bath - opens on to the deck and landscaped backyard, with unimpeded views of green and blue.
The couple built phase two - an upstairs master suite - three years ago. Samantha says it was a godsend: she and Scott would take turns hiding up there to recharge their parenting batteries.
It's a large, light-filled space with windows along three walls, giving grandstand water views, and an en suite and walk-in-wardrobe hidden behind retro-cool wooden veneer cabinetry. A hidden sliding door can split the room into two, creating a second lounge, so Samantha can have her friends over to watch a movie in peace, without feeling as if she's inviting them into her bedroom.
Scott had another adult escape built in the front garden - a home office in a wooden shed, with water and nature views for inspiration (and the promise of escape). "When I'm working in my shed and it's getting stressful I can get out for a walk in nature for 20 minutes," he says.
In the last decade most of the original neighbours have sold and the houses are being renovated. Samantha and Scott became tempted by one with huge potential about 100m along the waterfront. They snapped it up and are trying not to think too deeply about having to give up their adored family home.
