Awhitu Peninsula: Time and tide

The beach bach theme has been carried on in a stunning weekend retreat.

Two seaside properties have been joined to create a beach house that has room for family and friends, writes Fritha Tagg.

308 & 310 Big Bay Rd, Awhitu Peninsula.

Wonderful childhood memories of Christmas holidays at the beach still remain for Irene Norbis. They played a big part when she and husband Ray bought their beach house near Waiuku five years ago. The couple looked for a north-facing waterfront property and ended up buying the house she used to holiday at. They also bought the house next door. It was moved off the section and the land has been incorporated in an extensive landscaped garden with a corrugated iron and copper birch garden sculpture and a corrugated iron sofa - features that are included with the house.

The original Big Bay house was a typical bach with, as Irene describes, fibro cladding and more than seven styles of wallpaper.

She has kept the beach bach theme, choosing colours from the sea and beach environment and turning the modest house into a stunning weekend retreat.

Because the house is absolute waterfront and the sea can deliver the rough with the smooth, they opted for cedar cladding, double-glazing, full insulation and air conditioning.

"I wanted it to be a tough, durable house that wasn't 'ritzy' but was practical. Where it didn't matter if you had sand on your feet or the dogs had muddy paws," says Irene. "The flooring is durable but with good looks. It is a beach house where it's important to let the beautiful outside flow to the inner parts of the house as well. We have extensive water views across the Manukau Harbour which are always changing, and at night we get the beautiful night lights of Auckland - even the Sky Tower."

Irene is the gardener and has enjoyed the challenge of developing the large section incorporating a vegetable garden, lemon trees, a feijoa and a fig.

The garden style is modern with mainly easy care natives.

The road verge has been planted with advanced Norfolk Island hibiscus and pohutukawa.

Both Ray and Irene are passionate about their golf. This property has an astro turf putting green plus a hitting mat used when the tide is low and they can hit out on to the sand. "It's a pleasant walk with the dog to go out and gather up the balls afterwards," says Ray.

The heated lap pool with water jets makes fitness a pleasure, and with its extensive windows there is plenty of space plus a feeling of being outside.

The property includes a self-contained guest unit, which makes this the perfect place for entertaining and continuing the tradition of having family and friends stay for holidays.

Irene says the beach is perfect for youngsters. The sandy bay has no surf, no rocks and has a slight tidal fall making it a safe place for swimming.

Ray launches his 5.8m Bayliner in front of the house making it perfect for fishing. They have two smaller boats plus kayaks and small sailing dinghy.

Now it is time for another challenge for Irene and Ray; they have a lifestyle farm with more than 16ha of bush - a gigantic landscaping project for Irene.

It is in the same general area so they will still be able to enjoy their beloved Big Bay.

Vital Statistics

SIZE: Land 1928sq m in two titles.

PRICE INDICATION: $1.6 to $1.8 million.

INSPECT: By appointment.

CONTACT: Christine Hamilton, Century 21, ph 09 235 0821 bus, 0274 928 894 mob, 09 235 7276 a/h.

FEATURES: Refurbished house, formal dining, lap pool. Guest house with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. One of three double garages used as games room/sleepout. Putting green, views, absolute beachfront.