Langs Beach: Perfect patch

Look no further for your own plot of paradise, where magnificent sea views and gardens to take your breath away are the order of the day. By SHARON NEWEY.

It's rare for an iconic property such as this to be up for sale. Owners, like Vivien Papich, who have spent decades developing the site - in this case cloaking it in stunning, world-renowned gardens - have poured their passions into the soil, literally, and are loathe to move on.

But life does go on, and Vivien and Daniel Papich are on the move. Their garden, named Bellevue, has featured on television and in garden magazines, appeared in books and been photographed many times. Sitting above the blue waters of Northland's east coast and the white sands of Langs Beach, the garden is laid out in several terraces around the house on the gently sloping land. Spectacular sea views follow you wherever you go, as you wander the informal gravel paths, which are so in tune with the coastal environment.

Also in tune is the planting style - an exuberant collection of drought-resistant tropical and native plants. It's the sort of garden that appears easy and uncontrived yet is based on meticulous planning and an innate sense of colour and style. Tall cabbage trees and palms stand guard over native grasses and succulents while rocks and planted pots surround the quiet waters of ornamental ponds. Plants with bold form and interesting foliage predominate, and clever planning means that, no matter what the season, the garden is never boring.

A garden of this size can be notoriously labour intensive, but the couple have worked hard during the past year to bring the garden to a maturity that ensures vibrancy and interest, but without much on-going maintenance being necessary. A quick tidy-up once a month is all it should need.

Throughout the garden, structures and seats provide plenty of resting spots. There are quiet corners to read books and listen to the bird calls of the resident tui, places to take in the incredible sea views, or shady dells surrounded in cascading rosemary for a bite of lunch.

The house itself is a tribute to the Papiches' English roots. Finished in Tudor style, the part of the garden immediately in front has been kept low so that the explosive views from the house across Bream Bay to Whangarei Heads can be enjoyed to the full.

Inside, a huge lounge, bar and copper fireplace have hosted many touring guests, who have travelled to Langs Beach specifically to see the garden. The dining area, lounge, kitchen and master bedroom all open to the garden at the front of the house, and those views. The master bedroom is big enough for the high king-sized bed that resides there now. The sumptuous main bathroom has a step-up spa bath and is particularly big.

The plush decor and handcrafted detailing very much suits the style of the house, and has been as meticulously maintained as the garden.

Whoever is lucky enough to end up owning this divine part of New Zealand will inherit a fully established garden that, because of clever planning and thoughtful plant selection, will stand the test of time. As a boutique conference centre or luxury lodge, it has huge potential and at more than 6000sq m the land is subdividable.

Langs Beach has always been a holiday mecca but with limited sections has never lost its exclusivity. Upmarket developments have been happening nearby and historic Waipu village down the road is now a bustling township of restaurants and art galleries.

Vital Statistics

FEATURES: Internationally renowned show garden on various levels facing the sea and with spectacular views of Bream Bay and Whangarei Heads; house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and spacious living areas; double garage and workshop; multiple outdoor seating areas and garden structures, including summer house, shade house and strombrella.

SIZE: Land 6369sq m; house approx 250sq m.

AUCTION: October 13 at Bayleys Viaduct office.

AGENT: Joan McKay, Bayleys, Mangawhai Heads. Ph 09 431 5415 bus; 09 432 0924 ah; 027 473 3786 mob.