Omaha South: Driving the style

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

In a supreme position overlooking the golf course and just minutes from the beach, it is understandable that this new development in Omaha is turning more than a few heads.

Renowned for its stunning beach houses, lovely white sand and idyllic lifestyle, Omaha is a paramount destination for holidaymakers and permanent residents and, with designer living so close to everything, The Gallery is proving to be a desirable choice of residence.

Designed by architect Paul Francis of Francis Co Architects with the interiors completed by Martin Hughes, these two-level, three- and four-bedroom homes offer exceptional modish living with everything at your doorstep.

Francis says the spacious villas provide for a variety of lifestyle alternatives. "The sophisticated modern design has been fused with bach practicalities. The Gallery offers the added security of living in a community development, within a greater community," he says.

"Each dwelling is unique in that it is designed to open both ways, onto the golf course and out to the expansive views of Kawau Island and beyond."

The 20 designer homes are capacious and provide exceptional living with the added advantage of having separate dining and living rooms, a study/family room, twin-car garaging, decks, en suites and lower and upper entertaining courts.

Francis says the materials used in the construction have been selected not only for their aesthetic attributes, but for their resilience in a marine environment.

"A contemporary palette of honest, natural materials has been selected for its relevance to the New Zealand seaside community context."

And privacy has not been spared with the dwellings positioned to allow for minimum exposure to neighbours and passers-by. Totally secure, the complex is flush with sensors and there is keypad entry.

Outside, the courtyards are paved and landscaped and plaster and timber fences provide a striking backdrop.

LAYOUT

Designed to maximise the exceptional living on offer, these homes have generous public domains. Francis says there are two separate living and dining spaces on the upper level that take advantage of the views in both directions and create a flexible plan.

Exquisite touches are endless, starting with the kitchen that seamlessly leads to a barbecue on the top deck, which casually takes in views of the sea and golfers enjoying their last rounds at the end of the day.

The central hub of the layout, says Francis, the kitchen has a direct dialogue with all of the living spaces.

The master bedroom is located upstairs on the seaward side with the other two bedrooms on the ground floor. "They open to a large, private, paved courtyard that provides a sheltered space to capture the afternoon light," says Francis.

The double garages are proportioned to accommodate a boat and a large storage area.

INTERIORS

Distinctly of a New Zealand style, the homes feature quality specifications. Stainless steel reigns supreme in the kitchen appliances and fittings, while wood grains feature strongly in the bathrooms and cabinetry.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: The Gallery, Mangatawhiri Rd, Omaha South.

FEATURES: Paul Francis-designer homes backing onto a golf course; 20 homes in blocks of four; two levels, three to four bedrooms; views to the sea and golf course; twin-car garaging; separate dining and living rooms; a study/family room; decks; en suites; lower and upper entertaining courts; stainless-steel appliances; secure complex.

SIZE: Type A 200sq m, type B 180sq m.

PRICE: From $575,000.

AGENT: Michael Dow, Harveys Broadbents. Ph 0800 843 425 bus; 09 425 8589 or 021 521 505 mob.