Raglan: Pure magic

CEDRIC GRAY discovers one of the West Coast's best-kept secrets.

A Raglan waterfront property being auctioned this month is expected to reflect the staggering rise in property values in the West Coast resort.

The property laps Moonlight Bay in Greenslade Rd, about 3km from the township. It enjoys glorious harbour views, the house is within a stone's throw of the water and the sunsets are described as pure magic.

A holiday cottage has been almost completely rebuilt on the 1262sq m site. Immaculately presented, the refurbished family home has three bedrooms, an office, open-plan living areas flowing to an outdoor deck and a double garage with internal access.

Just about everything possible has been done to capitalise on the views and the sun-filled location. Landscape windows give the views full reign and bifold doors to the extensive deck enhance the superb indoor-outdoor flow.

A modern kitchen has beautifully polished rimu flooring, the master bedroom enjoys a quality en suite and the office could easily be converted into a fourth bedroom. As impressive as any feature, however, is the outdoor deck, which is ideal for year-round family dining and entertaining.

The section borders a protected native bush reserve to the south, and there is a short garden walk to Moonlight Bay, a secluded beach where swimming and other aquatic sports are popular. The colourful gardens and the neighbouring bush attract an abundance of bird life.

Julie Hanna, of Ray White, Raglan, says waterfront properties at the resort are realising from $600,000 to more than $1 million - a far cry from two or three years ago when the mere mention of Raglan spelt "surf" and the arrival of an army of board riders. The ocean beach retains its reputation as one of the finest surf beaches in the country.

But it is in the township itself where there is notable change. There are quality restaurants and cafes to cater for the change in lifestyle as locals revel in such slogans as Romantic Raglan, Radical Raglan, and even Hamilton - The Gateway To Raglan.

Hamilton is a comfortable 40-minute drive away, and Julie says about 40 percent of Raglan properties are sold to Hamilton and Waikato buyers. About 5 percent are Auckland residents keen to invest in a holiday home.

"Raglan has just been discovered," she says. "The new residents are captivated by the sea and surf, the harbour and nearby Karioi mountain, and the warm cafe atmosphere." For further details on the property, which is being auctioned on August 16, contact Julie on 07 825 8669.