277 Beach Rd, Campbells Bay, Auckland. Photo / Supplied
Leigh Efferion and Ian Smith have lived in their Campbells Bay home for a year now and they're still discovering interesting little features.
"The architects, Gillespie, Newman and West, clearly put a lot of thought into their design," says Leigh.
"It was built in the early 1970s and it really hasn't dated at all, although previous owners have obviously made some sympathetic changes along the way."
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The unusually shaped property surrounds a central, elegant, Mediterranean-style covered conservatory, which is essentially the heart of the home. With its rendered plaster walls and wrought iron doors, it feels like a luxurious tropical resort.
"We spend a lot of time in there, sitting around the table with family and friends or simply relaxing," says Leigh.
"It's so warm in winter, we save on heating elsewhere in the house, then in summer we open it up and jump into the swimming pool to cool off."
To the side of the conservatory lie the property's semi split-level living areas.
At one end there's the library, which could be used as a fourth bedroom. It's bright and sunny, and Leigh's mother says it's her favourite room in the house.
Lounge and dining combine in the centre of this area and are also cosy and appealing.
The kitchen is separate and well-equipped, which is important for Leigh, who is studying for a qualification in nutrition.
The laundry is tucked into a small corner behind a door. "I think that's such a clever little feature," says Leigh.
Beside the kitchen is another living area that opens to a patio outside surrounded by sub-
tropical trees and plants.
Upstairs on the same side is Leigh's home office, which has such wonderful views she often finds it hard to concentrate on her work.
Back down the main hallway, at the other end of the house, are three poolside bedrooms. The main bathroom is cool and spacious with a large bath and walk-in shower and the master bedroom's en suite is equally as attractive.
Leigh says that in summer she and Ian slept with all the doors open and, because of the layout of the house, it's safe to do this.
Although being at home here may feel like a year-round holiday, there's plenty to do in the neighbourhood, too. The beach is a four-minute walk and Centennial Park is across the road.
"It's a perfect place for walking our dogs and there's a really good nature trail that's maintained by the council," says Leigh.
A shopping fan, she gets her regular fix at nearby Milford Mall and its surrounding shops.
She and Ian say the neighbours are lovely and they've become close friends with several of them.
It all sounds so perfect and if you're wondering why Leigh and Ian are leaving this slice of paradise after such a short time there, they admit that they sometimes wonder, too.
"Basically a really great opportunity came up for us at Matakana, where we've always wanted to grow olives," says Leigh.
"I think that life has a way of leading you to new experiences and you have to go with it.
"It's very exciting but it's also been an absolute wrench and if we could pick this house up
and take it there we truly would.
"As it is, we'll be recreating some of its features — especially the conservatory — and of course we'll be keeping in touch with the neighbours."
277 BEACH RD, CAMPBELLS BAY
• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, 2 parking spaces.
• Land 997sq m, house 258sq m.
• Inspect: Wed 5-6pm. Sat/Sun 11-11.45am.
• Auction: Aug 19, 11am.
• Schools: Campbells Bay Primary, Murrays Bay Intermediate, Rangitoto College.
• Contact: Petko Petkov, Ray White, 027 302 0686; Matthew Smith, 021 924 435, oneroof.co.nz/1178822