There's no denying Neil and Janice McMaster are finding the thought of leaving the home they built 52 years ago pretty tough.
"52 years, amazing isn't it," says Neil, who is nearly 80.
When they found the section high on East Coast Rd they fell under the spell of themagical sea view which stretches out through the dining room and lounge windows, and which is the perfect backdrop to the deep blue pool and decking they put in many years ago.
Great times have been had outdoors in the summer, with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren often congregating here.
The three-bedroom 1960s weatherboard has done them proud, Neil says.
They have made "heaps" of alterations over the years, including an extra ground floor mini apartment/lounge area where a grandson hangs out.
"My grandson was going to live here six years ago for six months -- he's still here," says Neil, who points out the storage under the stairs and all the other cupboards through the house, and the separate laundry near the grassy area outside.
It's the upstairs which is so breathtaking, though.
The couple put in a big pantry in the kitchen when they renewed that a few years ago, and extended out the living areas to take advantage of the view, which is scattered with islands.
"On a really clear day you can darn near see people walking on Coromandel. I'm exaggerating -- a little bit," says Neil.
You get magnificent sunrises across the water, he says, and the house is drenched in sunlight.
"Of course, you've got Rangitoto over there, you see all the cruise ships coming in, it happens all the time.
"We saw a lot of the America's Cup when it was here. It was out there and it raced over Tiri [Tiritiri Matangi Island] way."
Under the carpet you'll find matai floors, which would polish up well, he says.
"It's an excellent timber. It was polished at one stage."
The pool area has a changing area and a shed where Neil used to grow orchids.
"I've just enjoyed it immensely because it's in such a nice spot and close to everything. It's been just gorgeous, and the kids come and they hop in the pool and that sort of thing."
When they bought there were no houses all the way down to the sea, he says, and though they knew houses would come they picked a spot which could never be built out.
"I bought it off a tennis player that I knew, and when we built the house I borrowed a hundred pound from the bank to do the concrete drive.
I thought that was the end of the world, I really did. A hundred pounds, crikey dick."
Neil was in the fashion game, selling lingerie for a few years, and sold a new range of swimwear around New Zealand.
Image 1 of 4: Views over Rangitoto from the pool will make your place
a summer favourite
"I had Lorraine Downes model for me the year she was Miss Universe."
He has loved the local bowls club and will miss that a lot but says the couple lost a lot of money with finance companies and are downsizing to their place in Ruakaka.
"It's a very difficult decision because it's been lovely and it's in such a nice spot. The girls went to Rangitoto College and primary school down the road."
Though reluctant to leave, Neil is looking forward to 22 family members arriving for his 80th birthday soon. They're all heading up to Russell for lunch, then to the Paihia RSA for dinner.
