Browns Bay: Where sea meets sky

An architect-designed home complements its cliff top location.

20A Sharon Road, Browns Bay.

When people dream of waterfront Auckland, the North Shore's cliff-top properties are usually on the list of dream building sites. Graceful pohutukawa trees framing views of Rangitoto, a swimming pool surrounded by plenty of outdoor living, north-facing for all-day sun are rarely all found at once. Which is why developer Barry Kirk-Burnnand and his wife Penny knew they had the find of a lifetime when they bought a rundown bach on this cliff-top section above Browns Bay, complete with plans for two luxury houses.

"We saw this dramatic view, so close to the cliff top you felt like you could touch the sea, with all these beautiful trees surrounding the site," recalls Barry. "We really loved the plans and could see how the house would just open out to the view."

The architect, John Cornthwaite, had created the house with a gull wing roof. From the mid-level entry floor you're led down to the living room where windows soar upward to the sea and sky. Dramatic corner windows seem to hover over the entire bay: sliding walls of glass, natural decks, paving and glass balustrades blur the boundaries between house and garden. A wedge of pool sets up more reflections, repeating the angles of the house. An outdoor room beside the pool links to the kitchen: again, its pale, shimmering sea-grey lacquer and glass finishes blur boundaries.

Barry and Penny were careful that the hidden details delight as much as the visuals: electronic everything is tucked into a generous storage space, controlling sound, light, heating, security, even automatic blinds. Rooms are wired for internet and phone connections: a second bedroom upstairs is fully prepped as a media room - if you can take your eyes off the sea view.

John worked with builder Dave Barmer of DMB Construction to make sure every inch of the site collected sun and sea views - only the family bathroom is internal - lit by skylights all around. Thirty-five 6m piles down to the rock strata anchor the house to the site, but allow it to look light, as if suspended over the view.

The upper floor master bedroom - large enough for a second sitting room retreat - takes in breathtaking views of Browns Bay, Rangitoto and the Gulf, reflected by mirrored dressing room doors.

"We wanted all the details in this house to be top end," says Barry. Penny and interior designer Abie Petraska from Ambience Interiors chose beautiful taps, American oak flooring, the best Liebherr and Gaggenau appliances - everything to make an interior space as beautiful as this view.

The challenging site is now a delightful collection of decks, some for eating, some for lounging. Natural landscaping and paths step from decks down to the fenced cliff edge, framed by the Shore's much-loved pohutukawa, flax and toi toi.
Barry and Penny are selling this house to develop another cliff top property in nearby Murrays Bay.

VITAL STATISTICS

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 4

GARAGES: 2+

SIZE: Land 566sq m, house 280sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Similar properties in the area have sold for between $2.8 and $3.1 million. Tenders close June 26.

INSPECT: By appointment.

ON THE WEB: www.prestigerealty.co.nz/2361.

CONTACT: Richard or Emma Milne, Prestige Realty, ph 021 770 611 (Richard), 021 515 478 (Emma).

FEATURES: New architect-designed cliff top home of solid masonry and cedar with panoramic sea views. Swimming pool in landscaped grounds. Gourmet kitchen with top quality European appliances. Smart home electronics.