Oneriri Peninsula: Magical site

What was once a featureless block of a land in a hard-to-beat waterfront location is now a fabulous park-like property. By CEDRIC GRAY.

Nine years ago, Ron and Toni Sylvester decided to exchange the ordered calm of their famous garden of old roses at Greenhithe for a windswept, bare 5.65ha property on the Oneriri peninsula - an arm of the Kaipara Harbour, which is a comfortable 90-minute drive north of Auckland.

"The site was magical," says Toni. "There was this narrow point of land almost surrounded by 800m of waterfront and overlooking the bush-clad hills above Takahoa Bay.

"Best of all was the ever-changing grandeur of the landscape and the way the layers of land and water seemingly folded into one another."

There was no questioning the fertility of the soil. "The tallest inhabitants of the property were the thistles," she adds.

The challenge was to convert an undulating but otherwise featureless block of land into a private park, and the mission was to bring back the birdlife.

The going was tough in the early days. There was no shelter from the sun and wind, no water and no machinery or tools. Yet while maintaining their Greenhithe property, the Sylvesters managed to plant 14,000 trees and plants in the first two seasons.

"We had paid help on the big areas, but we carried out most of the work ourselves," says Toni. "When it rained we would huddle under umbrellas. We were known locally as the mushroom people."

In 1995, they built a shed that provided comfortable accommodation until a stylish home, designed by Kerry Francis, was built. Unobtrusively sited in the park-like grounds, it is surrounded by walkways, three ornamental lakes with a jetty and a small island, glorious lawns and gardens and an orchard. The waterfront views are spectacular.

An entry courtyard leads to the spacious, sun-filled, open-plan living area, where french doors open to an outdoor terrace and decks framed by a pergola. This area captures the best of the views, which are highlighted by dozens of kowhai.

An open fire warms the lounge, as does a chip heater in the large, country-style kitchen. The kitchen can also be accessed from the courtyard via a paved porch. This is a convenient area for outdoor gear and is adjacent to a generous laundry with a fish-cleaning bench and freezer.

The master bedroom wing opens to the terrace and includes an en suite and a sunny office. A separate guest wing has two large bedrooms and a central bathroom.

A large parking area fronts the double garage and an adjacent utility shed. The property is near three golf courses and a boat ramp.

The Sylvesters plan to start a similar development project in the district.

The property is being marketed by Harcourts, Wellsford. Contact Joyce Chappell on 09 423 7577 for details.