Rothesay Bay: Peace and paradise

VICKI HOLDER checks out a cracking property with exceptional views and the stuff golf-lovers dream about.

When others yearns to escape the gloom of winter for sunnier climes, a family in Rothesay Bay is in no hurry to leave town.

Hans and Robyn Vaotago and their children enjoy the pleasures of living in their own tropical resort by the sea. Nearly every room on this large, elevated property opens to a palm-fringed pool oasis, a tranquil waterfall and a putting green shaved so smooth and weed-free it would turn any keen golfer green with envy.

The family have lived on the property - which once housed an original three-bedroom farmhouse - for 10 years. All that remains of that humble home is the beautiful polished kauri floorboards that were moved to the big, open-plan living area of a much grander, rebuilt, two-level design.

The land was subdivided, too. Boasting the bigger portion, the Vaotagos' property drops down through a gate from the house and pool to a lower level dedicated to the pitch and putt greens. Monthly visits from the local greenkeeper keep these lawns in tip-top condition all year round.

They're trimmed by palms, which have grown surprisingly tall in the six years since they were planted, thanks to the warm, north-facing aspect and an irrigation system. To make Hans feel as if he's truly in golfing heaven, water trickles down a rocky waterfall just beneath the path.

Sun pours into the house all day long through large windows and bifold doors spanning the living area and two children's bedrooms. These rooms step straight out to the terrace surrounding the pool. A generous upstairs lounge built in the high-pitched roof cavity spills out to a private balcony, a sunny spot where the family and their guests can savour the breathtaking panoramic view of the bays.

Wherever you stand, the view is sensational. Although the downstairs living area is open plan, a windowed partition wall separates the family area from a more formal lounge where timber floors switch to a sisal-look carpet. A teal blue feature wall matches the roman blinds that trim the windows. The wall adds drama and defines the dining space.

Across a bench, the modern, farmhouse-style kitchen cabinetry blends into the maritime colour scheme in a calming pale blue-green hue. The cabinetry may look like timber, but it's actually a modern acrylic product, which is a lot more durable and can withstand the constant knocks.

The entry to the kitchen is conveniently located a step across the passage from the internal access to the fully-lined double garage and a room-sized storage locker. Right next door, the laundry includes space to iron, fold and stack clothes on the benchtop.

Enjoying peace and privacy at one end of the house, the master bedroom suite is well removed from the children's rooms at the other. The considerable storage on the way to the master comprises a huge hot water cupboard and separate linen cupboard. The master features a fully-tiled en suite with underfloor heating and a long, walk-in dressing room.

The children's rooms, as well as a fourth bedroom or study, share the family bathroom at the opposite end of the house. This bathroom features a rimu vanity and heated floors. A separate toilet is next door.

The bedrooms are well-appointed, but the space the children covet the most is the sleepout. Equipped with an open-plan living-sleeping area plus kitchenette and a small bathroom, it's great for guests - if the teenagers don't stake their claim first!

There's more space underneath the house, which Hans uses as a workshop. A shared driveway to the rear reaches down to this workshop, so Hans can park the cars or boat on the shell court just in front. When the space is free, it doubles as a petanque court.

Just a stroll from the local cafes and five minutes from the shopping centres, this quietly hedonistic pocket of paradise is more than enough to keep the winter blues at bay.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 46 Braemar Rd, Rothesay Bay.

FEATURES: Extensively rebuilt modern family home; property elevated for sea views; minutes from beaches; swimming pool; golf pitch and putt greens; waterfall; five bedrooms, including separate guest or granny flat; family areas opening to pool; upstairs lounge could convert to master bedroom with en suite in spacious roof cavity; three bathrooms, including master en suite.

SIZE: Land area 1,174sq m.

AUCTION: 1pm, July 19, on site.

AGENT: Christine Tierney, Harcourts, Browns Bay. Ph 479 8095 bus; 0274 881 883 mob.