Mahurangi Harbour: Magical

On a north-facing headland at the water’s edge, the delightful kauri and rimu cottage is in a spot that’s tough to top.

Only accessible by water, it's the kind of place dreams are made of.

After searching for two years for a property on the Mahurangi Harbour, the owners of this quaint retreat found Brown Owl - as they call it - after a dinghy trip up the Te Kapa Inlet.

"We noticed a cottage at the water's edge, framed by crimson-flowering pohutukawa. There was a jacaranda tree smothered with blue flowers and a scarlet bougainvillea draped across the front windows," say the owners.

Returning to shore and after some research, the property was purchased in 1992 as is and on the spot - a fact the owners have never regretted.

"Our decision to buy the property was an emotional response to returning to our roots - remembering our magical childhood holidays spent at opposite ends of the world in beach cottages owned by our respective families."

The property is positioned beside the water on a north-facing headland. Enjoying all-day sea and bush views, the gorgeous kauri and rimu cottage is in a magical location that you would be hard-pushed to match.

The Te Kapa Inlet is connected with the 19th century shipbuilding industry. Many of the scows that supplied coastal regions around Auckland were built in the Te Kapa Inlet and relics of that era are often found along the coastal verges, say the owners. With maritime history entrenched in the area - the Mahurangi Harbour provided the means of access to the developing village of Warkworth and the rural and coastal surrounding areas - it is also an excellent location for boating activities and fishing.

The home itself, built in 1930, has a colonial weatherboard exterior. Updated recently with aluminium bifold windows and french doors, there is now extensive decking surrounding the house, linking it to an outdoor pavilion that provides exceptional outdoor entertaining.

A rimu-lined dining room, a new galley kitchen, a separate and cosy living room - featuring an open fireplace and rimu-lined walls - allow for comfortable indoor living, and a generous bedroom, which easily houses a queen-size bed, has french doors that lead to a sheltered, sunny garden.

Framing gorgeous sea views, the home - with its well-appointed bathroom and laundry - has been tastefully decorated in neutral hues.

Perfect for guests and family, a bunkroom caters for two adults and four children. Nearby, a boat shed at the water's edge for high tides has a dinghy locker, small boat ramp with a winch and a decked wharf area. Opening through double doors to the bay, this space is used as a workshop and studio.

Built on poles behind the boat shed, an office-cum-studio constructed of board and batten has french doors opening to a private, sunny deck.

The grounds have been developed for easy-care, holiday-style living, with established swathes of large pohutukawa, puriri, totara and kauri interspersed with native vegetation and sub-tropical plantings.

Providing their grandchildren with opportunities to explore and learn from their experiences in a safe, beautiful environment, the property has fulfilled the owners' dreams in every way.