In the swing at Fairway Park

A new subdivision at Gulf Harbour is sheer paradise for any keen golfer. The sea views are nothing to be scoffed at either.

GET up in the morning, have a stretch, grab your golf clubs from the garage and stroll out of the backyard to the tee.

It sounds like a blissful life, the reserve of rich Miama residents or Californians. Not any longer, thanks to the continuing development of the 330 ha known as Gulf Harbour at Whangaparaoa Peninsula.

The newly released subdivision of Fairway Park borders the fourth and fifth holes at the Gulf Harbour golf course which hosted the World Cup of Golf. Sections are an affordable $130,000 to $160,000, and a house built as an example of the style and standard expected of the area is being marketed for $395,000, including the section.

The ladies' tee is right outside the back door, across a length of the 10km of concrete golf-cart track that winds through the course. A family of pukekos peeks from the flaxed gully that sits upstream of a pond and bridge.

There are 28 sections in the first stage of Fairway Park. All share one boundary with the course and are north-facing for the sun. Around half of them have sea views which cannot be built out. The sections range in size from 600 sq m to 724 sq m.

Section-buyers are encouraged to adhere to a building code that takes into account the subdivision's location and its integration with Gulf Harbour. Certain exterior colours and materials are recommended, and there are no fences allowed on the course boundary. Other fences are to be kept low to encourage the community spirit of the enclave. There's certainly no need to barricade yourself behind 2m fences.

The house at Lot 14 of Fairway Park is a good example. Its taupe plaster finish covers a solid masonry construction. Cedar detailing, like the charming louvre panels in the gables and the panelled garage door, sits well alongside copper guttering and spouting.

A tiled-floor entry sits two steps up from the main living area while an internal window allows a tantalising glimpse of the dining area and kitchen. A study and guest powder-room sit to one side, and the internal access to the double garage on the other side.

The sitting area features tall, narrow windows and a gas, flame-effect fireplace. It spills out through french doors on to a bricked patio with a pergola and a perfect view of the golf course and one of its water hazards - a tranquil pond. The patio edge is landscaped in shell gardens with mondo grass, lavender, rosemary and native grasses. A puka palm softens a corner of the house.

The kitchen, which also overlooks the patio, has an exotic twist with matt black tiles behind the stainless steel gas hob. A charcoal-flecked granite bench is the perfect complement to the combination of pale timber and cream cabinets. Overhead, smart stainless-steel, adjustable spotlights are fitted to a sleek black track.

Upstairs three bedrooms all have dreamy views of the golf course and beyond to the house-sprinkled hillsides and the stand of pine on the ridge. The master bedroom has a large walk-in wardrobe with fitted organisers and an en suite. It has a private balcony overlooking that golf course.

Fairway Park continues the long-term vision of Gulf Harbour, which is to establish a community that transcends most socio-economic barriers and all age barriers. The subdivisions are attracting families and young couples while many of the apartments at the Marine Village have been bought by older people. Clifftop sections are the site of spectacular multi-million dollar homes. Gulf Harbour will eventually be home to around 7000 people.

There is a Gulf Harbour primary school and plans for a retirement village. Shops at the marina complex include a superette, gift shop, America's Cup shop, a travel agent and clothing store. There are 14 shops at present with plans for another 20 or so. There are two restaurants, a bar and a cafe.

The Whangaparaoa shopping centre is 5km back along the peninsula.

The Gulf Harbour Country Club includes the golf course, and will be neighboured by a luxury resort hotel.