Mansion by the sea

By Iris Stone

Rothesay Bay, one of Auckland's best-kept secrets, is home to a most unusual residence that invites more than its fair share of curiosity. Just a few steps up from the beautiful sandy beachfront, this tall, curvaceous building stands out from the crowd.

With flags flying, a finely crafted shiplap letterbox and an imposing street face that resembles a boat's prow - it suggests a nautical theme. As you tour the vast interior, that imagery is further strengthened by fine craftmanship in the best boat-building tradition.

After many years of building straight planes for clients, the owner, a master builder and skilled boat-builder, was driven by a sense of adventure. When topping off the three-storey design with a curved copper roof that satisfies height-to-boundary constraints, he decided to add some curved walls for interest. So becoming was the effect that he extended the idea. Sparing no expense, he lavished the house with soft, sweeping shapes and immaculate timber detailing.

There is a ship-like feel to the top-floor living space with its curved ceiling and cedar trims. Matai tongue and groove floors stretch the length of the living space and flow out to a deck that wraps around the north side.

Eschewing corners, a big, stylish lacquer kitchen with granite bench incorporates clever curves in drawers and doors that fit the flowing lines of the design. Nothing gets in the way of the view, even when you're working in the kitchen.

A gas hob and electric griddle sits in the long granite bench and above the rangehood echoes the curves of the ceiling. Heaps of storage surrounds a pullout ironing board that folds away under the bench. Ready for cool drinks on the deck, the big double refrigerator-freezer against the wall spits out ice on cue.

This open-plan space conveys an alluringly informal, beachside atmosphere made for easy entertaining. The dining table fits into a conservatory area that juts into the view for maximum sun and warmth. A gas log-fire in a corner at the end of the room heats the room in no time in winter.

The top level includes three bedrooms, opening through sliding doors to the oiled wooden deck curving around the house, an example of masterful craftmanship. Taut wires add a nautical note beneath cedar handrails. Each room enjoys its own small outdoor table, peeping out from the handrail, deep enough to balance a cup of coffee and toast.

A curved timber ceiling distinguishes the master bedroom which adjoins a sumptuous en suite with circular double spa bath and shower with a massaging showerhead. A custom-made rimu benchtop softly flows against the wall. Halogen lights are set into a curved cedar trim above. In both the main bathroom and the en suite, towels - stored in tiled wall recesses - add colour.

The master bedroom also features a huge walk-in wardrobe. A laundry is concealed behind cupboards in the hallway and there is an extra guest bathroom for good measure.

When you head down a level you discover there's yet another equally big, self-contained family living space complete with full kitchen. It, too, opens out onto a wraparound deck with three more bedrooms and a luxurious bathroom with double spa bath and shower.

But there's more. The bottom level has its own separate entry from the garden, with a laundry, small bathroom, kitchenette and bedrooms. Designed specifically to accommodate a home entertainment theatre, this level could just as easily convert to a spacious home office.

With eight bedrooms, three kitchens, three separate living areas and four bathrooms, it is a huge house. Flexible independent spaces offer several possibilities besides the one big family home - a three-bedroom home with three-bedroom, self-contained apartment for the extended family or for use as a bed and breakfast.

Mature trees including a mature Phoenix palm at the entry and sub-tropical shrubbery hugs a path that meanders past the dramatic double cedar doors at the entry, through the pretty landscaped garden. A bench-seat beneath an archway festooned with a flowering vine is a relaxing spot to appreciate the muted sounds of water flowing into a fishpond.

It's an idyllic property poised to capture enviable America's Cup racing views. But in the meantime, there's safe swimming, fishing and windsurfing at one of the most beautiful private sandy beaches on the coast, all within five minutes to cafes, restaurants and shopping centres.

Vital Statistics

Address: 41 Rothesay Bay Rd

Features: eight bedrooms, four bathrooms, three kitchens, three separate living levels, double internal-access garage with remote door, video security system from upstairs and bedroom, curved lacquer kitchen, two laundries, home threatre room, large sun-drenched, north-facing wraparound decks, quality workmanship and fittings, plaster construction, copper fascia boards and internal gutters.

Size: land - 571 sq m, house 5000 sq ft Price: $1,150,000 (GV, $1.1 million, independent registered valuation this year of $1.2 million)

Open Home: Wednesday 6-7 pm
Agents: Debbie Jones and Joanne Mimmack, of Ray White United Real Estate Mairangi Bay, 478 6049; Debbie ah 476 9967, mob 025 412 566; Joanne ah 478 5457, mob 025 965 429