Ahipara: Grandstand position

Endless views, a cracking coastline and a comfy home make this property one in a million. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

The key ingredients to a good beach house are a fab location, a comfortable home and an environment that offers something special. Well, look no further because that's exactly what is on offer here.

This two-bedroom home at 139 Foreshore Rd, Ahipara, is owned by an Aucklander, who has family living locally and enjoyed frequent visits during school holidays while growing up.

Being about 10 paces from the beach and north facing, the owner finds relaxing in the sun during summer and escaping the city during winter an exceptionally pleasant experience.

"The house is north-facing and very comfortable. A big plus is the rear half of the section is empty and slightly elevated so it has plenty of potential for further development."

On a section of 809sq m, the home has a large, open-plan living area that opens to a generous deck. From here, the views are spectacular and extend along Ninety Mile Beach towards Shipwreck Bay and along the sand dunes to Reef Point in the other direction.

An exceptional vista, "it's very easy to hear the sea at night and you can literally skim a stone from your deck into the water at high tide," says the owner.

However, this is only one of the property's features - the area itself is a treasured secret. In the Far North and at the foot of Ninety Mile Beach, world-class fishing, fantastic diving, a sensational climate - it regularly records New Zealand's highest temperatures on any given day - and its close proximity to both the east and west coasts make living on this narrow strip of land a water-lover's dream.

Although, water sports aren't the only recreational activities on offer - an 18-hole golf course and Okahu Estate winery are about 5 minutes' drive away.

With horse trekking along the beach popular and Kaitaia close by, it's amazing that this area has remained secluded, especially with Reef Point featuring in the 1970s cult surf movie Endless Summer.

"It's worlds away from those almost urbanised coastal subdivisions and tucked off the beaten tourist track to Cape Reinga. It's a bit boutique and there is limited land available to build on," says the owner.

Looking for offers over $900,000, this property is being marketed by Carla Yates, LJ Hooker, Kaitaia, ph 027 483 3612 or 09 409 2040.