Family-size character

SHARON NEWEY visits a remarkable, rambling family home that has the edge on the rest.

It's a surprise, a big surprise. From the end of the long and modest driveway, there's no hint of what's to come.

Sure, the area's lovely - Coxs Bay with its large waterfront reserve, tucked between the vibrant suburb of Westmere and the gentrified area of Herne Bay. But in an area of nicely renovated average-sized bungalows, this house is a stand-out.

Part way down the driveway, this sprawling family home sits on a massive 950sq m section. Renovated and extended five years ago, the house is perfectly placed on its site. Running east to west, its northern side is open to the sun and to views of the harbour and Coxs Bay from the upper floor.

Sited towards the rear of the section, with just the security-gated forecourt and internal-access double garage behind, the front of the house opens to a large, child-friendly, flat lawn and gently tiered entertainment decks. It's all watched over by a mature pohutukawa tree.

The owners have begun to implement a landscape plan designed by Bryan McDonald of Tropic of Auckland, which rings the property in lush gardens, neatly screens the clothesline and trampoline area, and includes a swimming pool.

The house itself, at 300sq m, certainly doesn't want for space. Along with five bedrooms, there are three living areas and three bathrooms. Echoes of the original 1920s bungalow shine through the rich timber floors in the downstairs living areas.

The claret-coloured formal lounge and dining room has a gas-effect fireplace at one end flanked by two slender floor-to-ceiling windows. The ceilings are higher than normal and the northern wall opens up with bifolds to the deck.

During the alterations, designed by Peter Eising at Architects Patterson, floor-to-ceiling windows were liberally placed around the ground floor, lending elegance and lots of light.

A subtle Pacifica flavour runs throughout the house, from some of the owner's furniture to the tapa tiles in the kitchen, a tapa panel beside the front door and door handles inlaid with paua (these were designed by furniture artist Ian Blackwell).

Sharing a wing that juts to the north, the kitchen and the sunny casual living space is the perfect spot for kids to play and be supervised. The kitchen is a mix of blue and beech cabinetry with a stainless-steel bench and stainless-steel appliances to match.

Next to the kitchen, a handily placed bathroom is good for use by guests and sports a handsome clawfoot bath.

The western wing of the ground floor contains three bedrooms and another bathroom, as well as access to the garage.

Upstairs, a luxury master suite includes a newly refurbished bathroom, a bedroom with great views, a walk-in wardrobe the size of the average bathroom and a box storage room.

At the other end of the house, a lucky child not only has a cute attic-style bedroom but one that is large enough to serve as a playroom as well. In fresh sky blue, it continues the house's ethos in which every room has its own colour and character.

Between the rooms and sited over the kitchen, a third living area sits out from the line of the house with windows on three sides and a private balcony. It's a great spot to really appreciate the northern aspect and the water views. It would make an ideal home office, except that the views might be too big a distraction!

The house creates an oasis in which you would feel little need to venture beyond the gate. But if you could prise yourself away, the surrounding area has much to offer. A stone's throw away, the large Coxs Bay Reserve has sports grounds, a children's playground, an exercise circuit and a boardwalk beside the stream.

A walk away, the eclectic Grey Lynn shops include an interesting mix of cafes, restaurants, specialty stores and fashion boutiques. Also within walking distance is the new Grey Lynn Woolworths supermarket. Ponsonby and Westmere shops are a couple of minutes' drive away.

Vital statistics

ADDRESS: 34 Edgars Rd, Coxs Bay.

FEATURES: Five bedrooms; three living areas; three bathrooms; renovations designed by architect Peter Isaacs; internal-access double garage; security gate; concept landscape plan available; sea views; large entertaining decks.

SIZE: House approx 300sq m; land 950sq m.

AUCTION: 2pm, October 9, Bayleys Head Office, Viaduct Harbour.

AGENT: Karen Spires, Bayleys Head Office, Viaduct Harbour. Ph 375 8488 dir; 378 9442 ah; 027 273 8220 mob.