Takapuna: Whale watching

Living by the sea doesn't come much better than this, with panoramic ocean views, frequent glimpses of passing orcas and a nautical-style home designed to delight. By VICKI HOLDER.

To gain a solid foothold on a rocky ledge of the Takapuna coastline, the foundations for a Simon Carnachan design exploded into being. Blasted out of the ground with sticks of dynamite, it was one of the more challenging sites on the North Shore.

As reward for the engineer's effort, the sleek, nautically inspired home sits so close to the gently lapping water that the owners gain a sense of riding high on a cruise liner when they wake in the morning.

Few outsiders venture down this quiet cul-de-sac, making it exceptionally quiet. There's an expanse of sandy beach between the rocks, but only the locals seem to swim here. The only sound is the soothing whisper of the waves and the hum of distant boats.

For those out on the ocean, the mirrored glass home has become a landmark, as it reflects the glint of the sun. Yet those strolling on the path that runs along the waterfront are largely oblivious to its presence. A tall rock wall guards the owners' privacy as they look out at the uninterrupted harbour views, which sweep from the Gulf and Rangitoto Island down the length of Takapuna Beach to Devonport and Tamaki Drive beyond.

The owners have lived in this picturesque spot for more than 10 years. They say they have always enjoyed watching the endless activity along the shore as people come to explore. "The most amazing thing is when schools of orcas come through. They are so close," they say.

Initially, they had no intention of moving in. But when the agent took them up in the lift and they stepped out to the view, they simply couldn't resist.

Designed on three levels, the house is like a ship, long and narrow, with spacious living areas and bedrooms opening to glass balconies with stainless-steel hand rails. The two upper levels end in curved spaces, where dramatic faceted floor-to-ceiling glass lets you stand in the view.

The ground floor is designed for large-scale entertaining, with a huge, cream-carpeted room and a lacquered black drinks bar in one corner. Concealed along one wall is the guest bathroom and sauna, with a shower for those using the indoor heated swimming pool. As the pool and spa bask behind glazing in the warmth of the sunlight, water trickles down a rock wall to one side giving a languid tropical ambience.

Should the party be a lively one, double doors from the entertaining area open to the double garage, where a slate floor beckons for a spot of dancing.

The downstairs area could easily convert to comfortable self-contained living quarters or a fourth bedroom suite.

Despite the home's beachy location, it has an elegant formal atmosphere due to the lavish use of marble throughout and traditional curtain treatments. The windows in the formal lounge feature cream and red-striped curtains.

The room steps through to an intimate sitting room. A white galley kitchen - the first Poggenpohl design in New Zealand - links the latter to the dining room at the other end. Doors and sliding windows above the kitchen open to a sheltered, easy-care garden courtyard ideal for barbecues.

Upstairs, three separate bedrooms are linked and can be used as one large suite if desired. Each has its own luxurious bathroom lined in marble. At the end of a walk-through dressing room, the master en suite has twin pedestal basins, a bidet, spa bath and room for three in the shower.

Equipped with many luxuries, such as underfloor heating beneath the carpeted areas, video phones to open the automatic security gates and a gate from the terrace to the beach, the house makes waterfront living as good as it gets.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 22 O'Neills Ave, Takapuna.

FEATURES: Modern, three-level, Simon Carnachan-designed beach home with panoramic harbour views and easy-care landscaped garden; large living areas opening to outdoors; three bedrooms, two with en suites; four marble bathrooms plus powder room; indoor heated swimming pool and spa; marble floors in entry and on stairs; sheltered outdoor courtyards; underfloor heating beneath carpeted areas; cobbled driveway; security gates; rock walls; gate access to beach.

SIZE: Land area 719sq m.

TENDER CLOSES: February 18.

AGENT: Pam Riley, Premium, Takapuna. Ph 486 1727 bus; 021 949 401 mob.