Funky living, faultless sophistication

With a view and a location to die for, this Herne Bay townhouse with retro appeal offers the ultimate in city living.

It's one of those houses you drive past and think "what a great spot".

With its 1970s profile and creosote-coloured, board-and-batten cladding, the house appears demur next to its grander villa neighbours.

Until you open the gate, that is. For beyond the sea-foam green gate and ivy-dripped fence, lies an idyllic subtropical garden.

Further presumptions are scotched when you walk inside this semi-detached Herne Bay townhouse. It's much bigger than you imagine, and once you mount the stairs to the main living level, the view hits you.

This is Marine Parade, which hugs the coastline at the quieter, more private end of Herne Bay.

Across the road from the townhouse, access to Herne Bay beach winds down a tree-studded reserve. The harbour waters are punctuated by the picturesque and tiny Watchman's Island and across the other side, the green belt reserve of Birkenhead gives a sense of not being in the city.

One step closer to the edge of the large entertaining deck, however, and you are left in no doubt as to the location, with the Auckland Harbour Bridge arching over the water to the right and the distant masts of West Harbour marina to the left.

It's a favourite pastime of the owners to sit with a glass of wine on the deck and watch the world go by, listening to the quiet rustle of the fronds from the large phoenix palm in the corner of the garden and looking over the top of the topiaried pohutukawa that grows beside it.

In keeping with these proud trees, the rest of the garden has been landscaped with subtropical and native plants - canna lilies, black-stemmed taro, cabbage trees, mondo grass, bromeliads, clivia and agaves. A Japanese-style path of terrazzo-style tiles winds behind a garden of grasses and river pebbles, while a tall rock stands sentinel by the front gate.

Beyond the double garage and the double-door entrance is an interior that combines the funky elements of the house's classic 1970s architecture and the sophistication of the new century. While most of the walls are a pearly white, feature walls are painted a range of colours, from pumpkin orange to gorgeous retro turquoise and soft green in the living space - tones borrowed from the sea outside the window.

On the upper storey, aside from the large deck opening through bifold doors, the living and dining areas abut the gourmet kitchen. The dusky wine cabinetry is complemented by the dark granite benches and stainless-steel St George appliances.

Separated by two steps, the master bedroom and accompanying bathroom sit on a slightly higher level. Views of the sea from the bedroom are echoed in the striking blue and white scumbled shower tiles, specially commissioned from artist John Papas.

At ground level in the house, flexible spaces predominate. One bedroom is enormous, and would be perfect as a guest suite with enough room for a double bed as well as a sitting area. Another bathroom is just metres away, again featuring John Papas tiles around the bath and shower area.

A second large room at the front of the house could be used in many ways. With sleek floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a matching built-in desk at one end and chairs at the other, it is currently used as a combined home office and second living area.

With a double wardrobe, it could also be used as a third bedroom. Recent renovations allow for it to be split in two to create a third bedroom and second living area.

The predominant feature of the space is its connection to the garden. Floor-to-ceiling windows and bifold doors in the living area open out completely. There's no corner pole to impede the flow from the timber floors to the cool paving outside. The fence and perimeter planting keep prying eyes out while the overhang of the deck above provides welcome shade.

Whether you are enfolded in the relaxing green spaces of the garden or gazing out over the sea from the upstairs deck, this townhouse is a place of flexibility and sophisticated living.

Vital statistics

Address: 1/2 Marine Pde, Herne Bay.

Features: Harbour views; three bedrooms or two plus study and second living area; two bathrooms; entertainment deck; private garden; double garage; retro appeal with classic 1970s split-level architecture.

Size: Land area approx 290 sq m; floor area 180 sq m.

Auction: Wednesday, February 20.

Agent: Tricia Lafferty, Meo Realty, Ponsonby. Ph 378 1500 bus; 358 4778 ah; 021 611 205 mob.