Matarangi: Sweet Carolina

An Auckland couple bought land for a bach but ended up building a grand lodge.

817 Matarangi Drive, Matarangi

In 1996 Barry and Marie Jones purchased land in Matarangi with the intention of building a bach. What they ended up with is anything but.

The couple could see there was demand for specialist tourist accommodation, so set about designing a property that could be either a large family home or an upmarket lodge.

It is right on the end of Matarangi sandspit, overlooks the sea and Whangapoua Harbou,r across the 17th fairway of the Matarangi golf course to the south, and to the north past the beach to Mercury Islands in the distance.

Barry says it took nearly two years to build. The South Carolina-style villa concept came from Marie. They then worked with a draughtsman who put the floor plan together and it was built by their nephew, which kept the project in the family and meant they could work closely with him to get exactly what was they wanted.

"We didn't want a modern bach type of house; we wanted a look that would sit nicely alongside the golf course. "

Marie was also responsible for the interior design and decor. Each room has an individual look - there's a French room, the honeymoon suite, a "country touch" room, and rooms with a Laura Ashley theme.

It was a labour of love for Marie, who enjoyed decorating to her heart's content.

"We wanted to command a 'look', something that people would expect of a first class tourist lodge, a look that would match the incredible location," says Barry.

The formal lounge comes complete with grand piano and the casual lounge areas allow separate private retreats.

The kitchen has had a lot of thought put into it, says Barry. It has a separate pantry and prep room to cope with cooking for a crowd, and the kitchen proper has expansive Matai benchtops, a European-style double oven and cook top and a double refrigerator/freezer with ice maker.

Even though the house has a bygone style, it has lots of mod cons such as a central vacuum system, state of the art sound systems in all the rooms with three separate zones, and a plasma screen TV hidden away behind a mirror in the casual lounge.

Barry says the house has seen some grand parties, with plenty of guest involvement. Outdoor entertaining is easy and relaxed with the focal point being the brick open fire and barbecue area adjacent to the pool.

The lodge has separate owners' accommodation including a lounge and kitchenette. There is also a self-contained manager's studio apartment over the garage.

When it was finished Barry and Marie decided to move in and manage the lodge.

"We were Aucklanders, but we wanted a change of tack and so decided to involve ourselves in the running of the lodge. We had owned a restaurant, years ago, so we had some experience and were able to give it a go. It was exacting but really enjoyable."

Five years on it is time for another change. Barry and Marie want to be closer to their grandchildren, and let someone else enjoy the lifestyle they've created.

Vital Statistics

BEDROOMS: 6

BATHROOMS: 6

GARAGE: 3

SIZE: Land 4809sq m, house 400sq m, garage and studio room 107sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected above $3.5 million. Tenders close November 22.

INSPECT: By appointment.

CONTACT: Stephen Rendell, Barfoot & Thompson, ph 09 524-0149 bus, 021 949 394 mob, 09 575 5419 a/h.

FEATURES: Lodge or luxury home on the edge of Matarangi Dunes Golf Course, with views north and south. Heated swimming pool and spa, integrated home entertainment system with three zone stereo indoor and outdoors, and home theatre with plasma screen. In house vacuum system, under floor heating. Landscaped gardens, gazebo and fountain. Outdoor fireplace and barbecue. Share of AstroTurf tennis courts, two 10 year memberships of Matarangi Dunes Golf Course.