Safe harbour haven
This unique piece of paradise on Tauranga Harbour presents a legacy of idyllic living that’s as quintessentially Aotearoa as it is rich in heritage and grace.
This unique piece of paradise on Tauranga Harbour presents a legacy of idyllic living that’s as quintessentially Aotearoa as it is rich in heritage and grace.
WORDS Jo Ferris
While debate continues about the America’s Cup being defended on the other side of the world, there is no denying this sailing spectacle draws spectators into its magic once racing commences. There is also no better time to focus on nautical magic of another kind – one enriched with its own history in a quiet haven by Tauranga Harbour; and defending a different tradition with similar admiration.
In an ironic twist, it was thanks to a European businessman, nearly a quarter of a century ago, who cast his eyes to this side of the world. Recognising the extraordinary beauty of Tauranga Harbour, with its inlets
and idyllic locations, he developed a characteristic homestead. Nestled in a secluded waterfront spot – complete with an approved geothermal bore – this property has transcended the passage of time. It has retained its heritage while being expanded and modernised over the years into a property of significance.
Immersed within the privacy of native trees, bush and birdsong, views command arguably the most intimate and certainly romantic scenery a harbour could offer. The sprawling residence bathes in all its beauty
– the original homestead, plus a separate yet connecting wing; designed and finished in keeping with the character of its parent. The nautical theme dominates the essence that instils a spellbinding aura in every
aspect of life here. It blends English heritage with American tradition.
Far from being in competition for the honour of victory, however, it is a marriage of perfection; caretakers of an idyllic sanctuary destined to be passed on to future generations.
The homestead follows colonial lines – fully wrapped in verandah extensions that shelter wicker-chair settings to gaze across the harbour scenery. Extending out to sun-drenched decking, this area meets the guest house for evening gatherings around the fire. Steps from here lead down to a lawn ribbon, before weaving through the bush to the waterfront below.
There are four bedrooms in the main wing of the home. The ensuite master and one other bedroom gaze across the harbour; both opening to the verandah. Remaining bedrooms open to the rear verandah and out to the swimming pool. Spacious, open-plan living is entertainment central – a gourmet kitchen, dining and lounge offering access points either side of the wrap-around verandah. This handshake with the guest quarters extends the entertainment value for those grand occasions with family and friends.
However, privacy is also assured for guests with two more bedrooms, a
large open-plan living space supported by a kitchenette, a bathroom and laundry, while a second shower room provides direct access to and from the pool. A generous rumpus lounge in this wing is another meeting point for both homes, while also offering various options. It could be a games’ room for teens, a gym, a workplace – or an intimate venue for small functions.
A private geothermal bore fuels a central heating system via a state-of-the-art heat exchanger, together with areas of hydronic underfloor heating. The pool is year-round enjoyment also, benefitting from the same system. Space is something this property isn’t short of. Budget has never been an issue with its journey through time. While housing the best that money can buy, it has maintained that rare quality of presence in a humble, understated way. True wealth doesn’t flaunt itself. It assumes privilege with grace.
Plummers Point Road is envied for its place within Tauranga Harbour and the properties that share the lifestyle. This property, however, claims that rare distinction that only time brings to the narrative. History brings the heritage of yesterday, while today’s approach can preserve it for future generations.
266C Plummers Point Road
Primed to perfection
Step into a fully furnished, three-storey townhouse offering stunning beach and bay views. Recently renovated with industrial-chic design, smart technology, and a separate two-bedroom flat — this home is truly one-of-a-kind.
Step into a fully furnished, three-storey townhouse offering stunning beach and bay views. Recently renovated with industrial-chic design, smart technology, and a separate two-bedroom flat — this home is truly one-of-a-kind.
Words Jo Ferris | Photos Amanda Aitken
Today’s trend of dressing a property for sale has a personal input with this home. It’s already dressed — ready to go — what you see is what you get. Bar the artwork of course — particularly one striking piece that dominates a feature wall in the top-floor living area.
In a move to downsize, this vendor is leaving all the furniture and much of the equipment behind — taking only personal items before closing the door on this intriguing venture. This is the heart of downtown Mount — views towards the beach on one side and Pilot Bay on the other — within walking distance of everything.
This three-storey townhouse received a head-to-toe renovation when bought. New roof, new insulation, double glazing, new gib, new open stairwell, new decor and sophisticated technology throughout. If one word were to describe this home, personality would be it. Maybe one more; personality plus.
The home goes beyond imagination in its approach. It introduces industrial influences with a sense of smoky-bar nightclub; cigars allowed and bourbon on tap in top-floor living. Either stepping up the flight of stairs — railings lit beneath and sensors showing the way; or taking the lift — the welcome is immediate. The kitchen sits centre stage — casual living at the front with balconies either side, dining booth in its own zone and a TV lounge at the rear — Mauao in all its glory in full view.
Party central in the middle houses a chef’s domain for serious cooking and separate stations; complete with a drinks’ bar cocktail mixers dream of. By day, perfect, by night, lights set within quartz counters highlight the brilliance of the detail – ready to set the mood.
Moods define this entire home – from the darkness of the dedicated theatre to every bedroom. One cleverly doubles as a bedsit office, thanks to the pull-down bed within closet cabinetry. Bathroom personality doesn’t disappoint either. An industrial look in the family bathroom strikes a chord with heavy-metal style tapware and cast-iron vintage bath — complete with ceiling spout. The master bathroom follows suit
with a ceiling spout dropping water into its elegant oval bath.
Masculinity meets femininity in ways that appeal to personal tastes. Underpinning it all however, is state-of-the-art functionality. Smart technology includes wireless internet on every floor, Sonos surround sound, a talking fridge, sensor lighting, 16 solar panels, Tesla battery. All the bells and whistles; plus the bonus advantage of a separate, two-bedroom flat — complete with a tenant.
Personality plus.
13A Commons Ave, Mount Maunganui
Nestled into nature
Shared family living can heighten the desire to move to the country. Avocados here increase the incentive, but separate living quarters also offer other options.
Shared family living can heighten the desire to move to the country. Avocados here increase the incentive, but separate living quarters also offer other options.
words Jo Ferris | photos Boundless Vision
Whakamarama is sought after within Western Bay of Plenty. It’s far enough from the bustle of Tauranga city, yet near enough for comfort when the need arises. Privacy here is absolute; nestled into the hillside with north-facing panoramic views using nature and landscaping to surround the home.
Looking down to Tauranga Harbour and the city below, Mauao stands majestically in the distance. Postcard imagery frames the harbour entrance and shipping – making gorgeous telescope views from this tranquil hillside location. Outdoor connections are integral to this home’s allure. Two living areas enjoy different settings and moods around the house. There’s a café patio, expansive full-sun decking, and a brick paved dining area around the open fire for barbecues. Fronting it all is a swimming pool; its curved, semi-infinity aspect inviting a cool dip while basking in the scenery. Some bedrooms also enjoy personal links outdoors.
The décor showcases charming traditional influences with the on-trend appeal of panelled walls. Practical hardwood flooring continues the modern thread, while high-raked ceilings and considered glazing ensure natural light and sun streams inside. Central to family life is a bespoke kitchen, its essential large island bench confirming this gathering point for entertainment. Chic finishings, ample workspace, and a spacious scullery secure a cook’s dream for hosting – particularly the barn door, which gives a butler’s entry into the scullery and out the back door. Barn-door styling also features elsewhere – most notably, a recycled native timber door to the fireside lounge.
Bathroom luxury is significant as well. Privacy for the master suite, a second guest ensuite bathroom, plus a lavish family feature everyone will want to share. Twin vanities disguise the double-entry, twin walk-in shower, while the oval bath spells total indulgence.
With five bedrooms in the main wing, it’s this home’s second wing that raises the bar. Self-contained living comprises one bedroom, bathroom and comfortable living with a generous modern kitchen. Separate in its own space, the unit connects discreetly with outdoor entertainment. A fully-fenced mature garden invites time outside for the family to explore. Lush landscaping wraps around the home in leafy garden pockets before meandering down into the orchard to check the avos and potter in the sheds.
With ample parking for the boat, campers and visitors, this is a property to share with family, or choose another path with Airbnb, perhaps? Anything is possible.
85 Plummer Road, Whakamarama
Natural elegance
Tauranga Harbour’s spellbinding beauty around a hilltop peninsula is inspiration enough for an exceptional home. But a sensitive deference to nature – blending contemporary brilliance with the landscape that preceded it – underlines this home’s distinctive air.
Tauranga Harbour’s spellbinding beauty around a hilltop peninsula is inspiration enough for an exceptional home. But a sensitive deference to nature – blending contemporary brilliance with the landscape that preceded it – underlines this home’s distinctive air.
Words Jo Ferris
Hidden from the world, the home showcases bold design and precise execution. Deserving a string of awards in the 2019 Master Builders House of the Year, it was named supreme regional winner, and went on to earn national gold reserve status, also winning its category.
Imposing, thanks to its lone presence on this peninsula, the home’s sole focus is on what surrounds it. The views are spectacular – a sweeping panorama that follows Tauranga Harbour and Matakana around to the Kaimais. The home captures nature and how the sun plays with water and trees before dipping behind the hills. Scenery is integral to this home’s design and how it connects with each aspect.
Central to this concept is the swimming pool and how family living mimics similar infinity. The pool is like a separate extension that floats out to space, thanks to the innovative design. It’s heated for year-round exercise, while the built-in spa is a natural companion. Full-height glazing in the family wing ensures a seamless link with the patio and pool, while framing an extensive grasp on scenery.
Genius design in the family lounge, cantilevers it in midair. Glazing wraps around this extension to heighten the floating feeling. Even the unique unit, housing a wall TV and display alcoves, appears to hover within the glass surround. The pool outlook might be centre stage, but a discreet sheltered patio provides a different perspective of nature.
Full-height glazing is a significant feature in this home. It begins with a towering front door, drifts into various rooms and highlights aspects like the oak stair treads – another intriguing element that seems to float up to the master retreat.
This retreat cherishes ultimate privacy. A sumptuous suite, with its “look-out” ambience stretching across the harbour, bespoke dressing-room backdrop and a romantic bathroom. The simple elegance of an oval bath is matched by egg-shaped vanities on a custom dresser.
Oak weaves a story throughout – on flooring, bespoke units in both lounges, kitchen cabinetry and designer vanities in all three bathrooms. With the master retreat relishing penthouse privacy, two more bedrooms share semi-ensuite luxury downstairs, while a guest bedroom has a private bathroom. Sitting in its own corner, this suite opens out to the poolside patio.
This home displays the knowledge that refined class needs no extra flattery. Underfloor heating and a ducted system ensure constant comfort. Drapes disappear into the ceiling, while LED lighting hides in extraordinary ways to infuse soft illumination throughout. As day passes into evening, this home’s mood changes everything about its demeanour.
Other features extend this property’s generous parameters, including an avocado orchard and shed. A secondary, high-stud, three-bay shed houses self-contained accommodation. Lined with plywood and featuring polished concrete flooring, this suite provides a bedroom, bathroom and open-plan living with a wrap-around verandah patio.
The boat-shed ambience of this unit complements the considerable storage next door. Ideal for the Sealegs, this could be driven down the garden pathway to the private ramp into the harbour. A sandy beach invites launching the kayak at high tide, or packing a picnic to fossick as the water ebbs and flows.
With a lily pond attracting wildlife, amid a garden wonderland and giant guardian pōhutukawa, nature is the eternal winner here – and willing to share it.
Rural romance
In the upper hills of Ohauiti, an extraordinary transformation has taken place over the past three years. With the owners on to new adventures, this rural home offers a wonderful opportunity for shared family lifestyle
In the upper hills of Ohauiti, an extraordinary transformation has taken place over the past three years. With the owners on to new adventures, this rural home offers a wonderful opportunity for shared family lifestyle.
Words Jo Ferris
Any renovation involves a vision. But the combined talents of this couple’s experience in building and interior design was key to the double life the home now enjoys. Shared accommodation is growing in this country – from aging parents to adult children raising families of their own.
This home’s size was a great start for what this family wanted to create. It wasn’t simply the house itself; it was the extent of garage space that lent to conversion for separate living quarters. Even then, it still left a high-stud, triple garage with mezzanine storage to boot.
While another builder undertook the actual construction – which involved reconfiguring the layout – these vendors did all the finishing. No mean feat, looking at the complex design. The house had the hint of a country villa initially. It just needed vision to truly take it to the next level.
Private seclusion within this rural enclave is exquisite – a perfect backdrop for what now exists in the rolling landscape. Views gaze down the valley to Tauranga and offshore islands. There’s grazing for horses or livestock, a new shed for farm equipment, a chook house, and ample garden and playground freedom in a natural wonderland introduced by olive trees lining the driveway.
Relaxing within the verandah shelter or looking out from the family living areas, this home embraces everything – best of all from the master retreat above. “Retreat” is an understatement. Like a five-star hotel suite, it encompasses a massive bedroom and personal lounge. A central wall, housing a double-sided fireplace, is the ultimate romantic touch. Until you step into the bathroom. It’s pure indulgence, with a deep bath, bespoke vanity and private shower and toilet areas. A “dressing-room” wardrobe is a fashionista’s dream, while hidden storage highlights discreet design and added features.
Downstairs, bathroom zones all received similar detail. Refined taste in each area accentuates an eye for design and appreciation of how heritage finesse blends with chic styling. Panelled walls, wainscoting features and battened accents flow throughout the home, while instilling individual personality into each zone.
The TV room is a cosy, carpeted snug, yet its French-door connection stays in touch with the vaulted expanse of the family hub. Polished concrete flooring enhances the rustic charm of rural life, while a gourmet kitchen is a tribute to the woman of the home’s past in kitchen design. It blends all the hallmarks of heritage allure, with the practical function that caters to big family occasions. Linked cleverly with a larder-style pantry and equally well-designed laundry, the bespoke finish leaves nothing to chance. There’s a place for everything and everything is in place – even a vast vege and
herb patch just outside to complement cooking.
As the passage weaves past two bedrooms, it enters the second accommodation – part of the home, yet separate to ensure privacy and the added bonus of its own entry. Currently a one-bedroom unit, there’s potential to turn the “hobby” area into a second bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe to mirror the main suite. Spacious open-plan living is enhanced by raked ceilings and kept cosy with a wood burner. A wheelchair-friendly bathroom increases this unit’s convenience, while the spa pool and country verandah outside is enchanting privacy, which brings nature to the door.
The serenity is bliss; just birdsong for company. Tuis divebomb flax bushes, feast on flowers and sing their hearts out. Hawks fly overhead and quails visit in summer evenings – there’s no better enticement.
11F Rowe Road, Upper Ohauiti
Nostalgia and nature
A little bit of domestic bliss awaits in this magical corner of Te Puna.
A little bit of domestic bliss awaits in this magical corner of Te Puna
Words Jo Ferris
Tauranga Harbour is home to some extraordinary properties – but perhaps none so remarkable as this magical corner on a small inlet near the end of a sought-after Te Puna peninsula.
As Wallace Road veers off Snodgrass Road to head down to Waitui Reserve and its public harbour access, this home nestles elevated on a secluded waterfront of its own. Relaxing outside – enjoying a seamless gaze through trees to the water – the enchantment here touches the soul. Birdlife and birdsong are constant companions, thanks to the extent of trees and flowering specimens that adorn this garden. Dappled lighting filters through branches and leaves of the trees that fringe the water. Its gentle sound is the background to calmness.
Waterfront is one thing, but this has the sense of a private lake – shared by a small enclave of like-minded neighbours – and rarely visited by outsiders. Here you can launch the kayak and paddle out to the harbour and open-air freedom. Or, you can simply cherish the seclusion and serenity of this exquisite inlet.
Like the garden, this home has matured and adapted over its lifetime. What started as a simple country cottage decades ago, has undergone several transformations. It has been extended, renovated and upgraded.
Yet never has this home forgotten its roots and the natural simplicity dating back before the 60s.
Wooden joinery throughout extols the appeal of natural timber inside – hinges and latches all in tune with the era. Modern additions like bi-fold and French doors in the living area were crafted to match the original joinery. This home is a brilliant blend of yesterday and today. Bespoke styling in the kitchen instils nature’s subtle tones with a farmhouse nuance. But the contemporary design ensures its focus on entertaining. The barstool island is a natural drawcard, while the map of the world on a feature wall is a conversation piece to test geographic knowledge during dinner parties.
The seamless link with the loggia is the overriding element of this central hub, however. That enchanting view of the garden to the water is a magnet. You simply cannot get enough of it. Understandably, this loggia was built to scale to take full advantage of this outdoor haven and its connection with nature.
Moods change in the lounge. Timber flooring changes to carpet and a more intimate tone is introduced with the darker richness that surrounds the open fire and wood-stack alcove. Gabled ceilings and exposed beams add another point of difference. And this is one of the home’s outstanding features – its numerous points of difference.
Bedrooms are personalised, bathrooms have individual attention; even the separate guest suite enjoys its own personality. Sitting as an adjunct to the garage, it’s an invitation for friends to stay over and enjoy privacy. Thoughts of boutique accommodation hosting are obvious, as well. Who wouldn’t want to come and stay here and lose themselves in this soothing sanctuary? Or this space could serve as a beautiful work-from-home environment (suitable for clients/customers to visit if required).
An air of mystery surrounds this home from the road. Sitting on a bend, it disguises the size of the garden behind the fencing and hedging. A stained-glass door and bullnose verandah hint at this home’s nostalgia. But it’s not until the amble around the back arrives at the magical waterfront setting that this property’s true essence is unveiled.
Gardens change with the seasons; wildlife comes and goes. Beneath it
all, this home’s spell remains constant. Homes within this Te Puna corner don’t come to the market that often. Sitting amid all this serenity, it’s easy to see why. It’s a rare opportunity to join the neighbourhood and share the magic that lives within this special corner of the world.
58 Wallace Road, Te Puna
Chef’s sanctuary
Celebrity chefs bring a familiarity into our kitchens that makes them feel like a personal friend. Followers of MasterChef winner and author Chelsea Winter will not only recognise the face, but probably this kitchen – one she considers an old friend yet is ready to leave, with her home up for sale.
Celebrity chefs bring a familiarity into our kitchens that makes them feel like a personal friend. Followers of MasterChef winner and author Chelsea Winter will not only recognise the face, but probably this kitchen – one she considers an old friend yet is ready to leave, with her home up for sale.
Words Jo Ferris
Chelsea Winter’s kitchen features in her book Supergood. Created and photographed in this idyllic country home, the book was a bestseller in 2020. If that’s not inspiration enough, spending time here certainly will.
Designed for a professional gourmet, the kitchen attracted Chelsea from the outset. Adapting it further to suit her style, the kitchen is certainly one of this home’s key features. Like any winning recipe, however, it’s but one ingredient in a home and garden layered with enchanting tastes.
Nestled in a hidden lifestyle ribbon within Western Bay of Plenty, the property is on the fringe of Tauranga city. Exquisite scenery embraces picturesque countryside down to Mount Maunganui, where Mauao stands majestically as the main star. It’s a view Chelsea marvels at every day – inspiration enough for any banquet.
The kitchen is the heart of this home. Its striking island is a drawcard – edgy corner shelving, barstool seating and a clean, solid oak surface.
Either preparing meals or catching up over coffee or drinks, it’s the centrepiece of a spacious kitchen that revolves around entertaining. Dual sink and work units either side with window views, a cook’s stove and farmhouse appeal that caters for crowds.
“There’s literally a place for everything,” says Chelsea. “The sky’s the limit, yet it’s still somehow cosy and inviting.”
That cosy invitation sums up the entire home. It exudes that country allure of graceful simplicity with a subtle nod to black-barn earthiness. Battened vaulted ceilings enhance the sense of space throughout. The white backdrop instils an ambience of fresh linen, while contrasting accents of aged wood grain, textured carpet and furnishings all nod to the heritage of country character. The timber effect of floor-to-ceiling tiling in both bathrooms is also outstanding. The rustic simplicity is punctuated beautifully by the chic finish of brass hardware and timber vanities. It’s a marriage of the old and new. Bespoke lighting also cleverly blends contemporary design with the natural charm of wicker.
Soft, floor-length drapes mix with plantation shutters to personalise rooms and add intimacy come nightfall. After dinner, there’s nothing like snuggling around the fire in the family setting. This focal point is yet
another nod to aged tradition, while polished concrete is a practical finish on the floating hearth.
Outdoor flow embraces scenery, gardens for the birds and animals. Fresh food and herbs to harvest, magical corners and friendly sheep that maintain the pasture behind and below. With four tank-fed water troughs, horses will also thrive here. Wandering up a gentle track on the conical hill, amid olive trees, views are elevated to embrace a 270-degree panorama of Western Bay’s coastline – breathtaking by day and glittering at night. To further complement this country lifestyle, a 130sqm shed offers brilliant workshop storage, with room for a gym and that ultimate barn bar.
After three years here with her partner and young children, adventure calls. While this home has been a haven in one of Tauranga’s secret places, Chelsea is excited, if not a little sad to be leaving her kitchen.
“It has been an utter dream. That beautiful solid oak island bench has been my home for the past few years. It’s like an old friend now. I’ll miss it a lot.”
177C Crawford Road, Te Puna