Kaukapakapa: Out of town

Buyers seeking peace and quiet in a stunningly stylish living environment will find this new home hard to resist. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Farmers are subdividing at an increasing rate and roads such as Oyster Point Rd and McLachlan Rd are constantly changing with more dwellings being built.

There are 70 to 80 dwellings in the immediate area of McLachlan Rd. Most are standard family homes with three to four bedrooms. A few top-end larger properties are scattered throughout the area.

Land prices are steadily increasing with three-acre blocks selling for $180,000 last year that are now worth $250,000 to $260,000.

Local amenities include a new retail development at Silverdale, schools and an abundance of beaches on both coasts.

A 1.1ha property opposite the Helensville Golf Course with a two-level home and self-contained accommodation in Peak Rd sold in January 2004 for $495,000.

In Oyster Point Rd, a 2.7ha property with a brick and tile home and views of the Kaipara Harbour sold in April 2004 for $500,000.

On Kaipara Coast Highway, a 6693sq m front block with a 1980s two-level colonial-style home sold in January 2004 for $557,000, while reportedly on the same road a 3.9ha lifestyle block with a large four-bedroom home sold recently for $610,000.

Modern and sleek, this new home on an elevated, north-facing site in Kaukapakapa, offers owners a peaceful retreat - far removed from city stress yet in a fashionably desirable rugged setting.

Owned by Jon and Kirsten Baker, the home which has been 12 months in the making is a single-level pavilion positioned at the top of the hill to enjoy exceptional views through to the Kaipara Harbour.

Secluded and peaceful, the home, with its wrap-around decks and floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, is only 25 minutes from Albany and close to Silverdale and the motorway.

Kirsten, who designed and fitted out the house, says she wanted to shift from the city because of the traffic, for privacy issues and to escape noisy neighbours. "It's heaps quicker to travel to work. Even though it is a further distance, there are no traffic lights and it takes less than half the time."

Wanting a home that was large, open, modern, but welcoming and good for parties, Kirsten arranged the dwelling so the rooms were of a generous size with over-scale doors and windows.

"My intention was to create a large, open-plan home with 360-degree views of the harbour and the rural outlook. Something with an industrial feel, but still comfortable," says Kirsten.

Green-tinted glass melds comfortably with rich brown panelling to complete the exterior, while inside blue-grey tones line the ceiling and floor. Divided into two spaces, the living areas occupy three quarters of the overall floor area. Cleverly joining this area to the bedroom is a double-sided fireplace which in both spaces provides warmth and a sense of cohesion.

Never removed from the view, the kitchen area has a rectangular island complete with sinks and cabinetry, while along the back wall the chic metallic-grey cabinetry beautifully complements the stainless-steel appliances. In front of this, a dining area is flooded in natural sunlight. Says Kirsten: "We wanted open space flowing from the kitchen to the dining for entertaining."

Skilfully connected yet separated, the living area is always visible through a large void in a three-quarter length dividing wall. A splash of colour against the industrial hues is injected with a bright burnt orange behind the fireplace.

The capacious bathroom is an executive couple's dream. Devoid of time pressures for those wanting to get up and going, it has two showerheads, dual vanities and a sleek wall-hung toilet and bidet. And the large two-person bath set beneath an expansive window is the ultimate respite after a long day.

Clean-lined and functional, Kirsten says in the bathroom she had a thing for square shapes and lines. "This is reflected in the selection of pretty much everything, from handles to even the toilet!"

All the rooms have large sliders connecting the home to the environment, and Kirsten's favourite element of the house is its view. "It's peaceful but still handy to everything. Also, the house has large open spaces so you can rearrange the rooms into different settings."

Ready to be landscaped and with the potential to increase the size of the house, this rural haven is a welcome relief from urbanisation.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 341 McLachlan Rd, Kaukapakapa.

FEATURES: A new unique purpose-built one-bedroom home with sweeping views of Kaipara Harbour; dual-room fireplace; custom-built bathroom with double showerhead open shower; north facing; wrap-around decks and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors; two 6000 litre in-ground water tanks; development potential for two bedrooms, a bathroom and double garage on back of existing building.

SIZE: Floor area 140sq m; land area 1.2174ha (more or less).

AUCTION: Wednesday, June 30.

AGENTS: Katrina Candy and Bix Howat, Bayleys. Ph Katrina 477 0200 bus; 478 0949 ah; 027 257 2217 mob; Bix 09 426 5911 bus; 021 723 070 mob.