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
After the epilogue
At some point – given the right location, the vision, and the way that vision unfolds – nothing can improve what has been achieved with a property and its story. This property is the epitome of that.
At some point – given the right location, the vision, and the way that vision unfolds – nothing can improve what has been achieved with a property and its story. This property is the epitome of that.
words Jo Ferris | photos Boundless Vision
The setting is Tauriko – River Oaks Drive – aptly named, thanks to the leafy ambience its handful of residents share in this prestige enclave. The distinctive aspect of this property isn’t simply the seclusion and dominant position. It’s the size and zoning. The elevated site borders Wairoa River, embracing breathtaking views across the valley to the hills. At around 6.33 hectares, this is one of only two rurally zoned lots in this enclave, complete with grazing and stockyards.
Perfect for farmers looking to downsize while keeping their hand in, this exquisite home looks further into the future. A five-star master retreat upstairs provides luxurious privacy with a bedroom that opens to a grandstand balcony and a bathroom that invites lingering moments gazing at the scenery. Forethought, however, created a second ensuite bedroom downstairs – its poolside connection adding a different perspective on life. With the bathroom doubling as a powder room for the pool, it’s an elegant guest suite in the meantime.
This home is masterfully designed to take full advantage of the scenery, while landscaping capitalises on the unusual site. In commanding this headland, the home doesn’t try to dominate nature. It honours it – bringing stone and timber together in a layered illusion with balance and harmony.
A soaring atrium and bridge in the foyer draw eyes outdoors to that stunning view. Glancing down, the reflection pool opens the first chapter of this home’s story. Architectural flair and innovative interior design define rooms with colour, tone and texture. Wall features create mood; lighting instils artistry and outdoor flow is integral to the function and flow. There are sheltered places to dine and relax, sun-drenched areas by the pool and up on the spa stage and bedroom balconies upstairs. Either watching the rising sun or toasting sunset as lights twinkle up and down the valley, this home provides special areas to retreat to and reflect on life in this unique place.
Additional aspects like the superb parking options – covered and open – solar panels, high-tech innovation, and the bonus of a heated swimming pool with swim jets and automated cover, all work to complete this home’s initial story. Headlined by refined city living and livestock on the side, River Oaks is ready for a new chapter.
37 River Oaks Drive, Tauriko, Tauranga
Perfectly poised
Oliver Road’s recent expansion into Hawke’s Bay brings their specialist real estate services up to a whole new level.
Oliver Road’s recent expansion into Hawke’s Bay brings their
specialist real estate services up to a whole new level.
Words Jo Ferris
Six years ago, Cam Winter believed there to be a gap in the Bay of Plenty market for an estate agency focused solely on representing unique, high-value homes. As Oliver Road approaches 150 sales totalling more than $340 million, it’s clear this gap did indeed exist.
Joined in 2019 by Jason and Abigail Eves, and Ben Hawan in 2022, the team’s success, in Cam’s words, can be attributed to “relentless, continuous improvement across everything we do, along with a clear focus on doing one thing well, along with an unwavering commitment to each and every client and the outcome of their sale.”
Throughout the recent market correction, Oliver Road invested heavily to ensure their luxury real estate marketing platform remained unrivalled in their industry – recently taking on a full-time digital and marketing manager. Mckenzie Comer is a seasoned digital and social media professional with an impressive track record that spans over six years. Throughout her dynamic career, she has made her mark leading digital strategies for various clients, including some of New Zealand’s most prominent corporate giants.
“In the ever-expanding digital landscape, strategic cross-channel paid marketing ensures that our real estate content doesn't just look good but reaches the right audience in the most effective manner,” says Mckenzie. Her comprehensive understanding of optimising campaigns to ensure maximum reach and engagement are already paying dividends for Oliver Road and their clients, with new buyer enquiry and offers being made on properties that can be directly attributed to her talented efforts behind the scenes.
Last year, Oliver Road also employed a talented photographer full-time, ensuring this important task could be approached with time and space, something Cam believes “can’t be said for real estate photographers with 30+ shoots to juggle every week.”
Photographer Jerusha Razey can’t get enough of this new pace and what it means for Oliver Road’s clients. “It’s so special being able to photograph a beautiful property across multiple days, combining sunrise, golden-hour, twilight and more without having to convince a client that the spend will be worth it. Or worse, having to call and postpone their booked time to catch up on a backlog of other shoots due to bad weather the week before!”
It’s clear how important Cam believes this to be, adding, “Photography is arguably the most fundamental element of any real estate campaign. To produce anything less than exceptional is not an option.”
Beyond Oliver Road’s foundational Bay of Plenty operation, late last year the agency opened in Hawke’s Bay, partnering with experienced local agents Nic Goodman and Fiona Harper. Some years ago, Nic and Fiona identified Oliver Road as a unique, luxury estate agency with exceptional marketing selling high-end homes in Bay of Plenty. They set their sights on bringing Oliver Road to Hawke’s Bay and are proud to have recently formed this exciting partnership. “Sellers of Hawke’s Bay’s most fabulous homes have waited long enough for a specialist agency, one that can deliver world-class marketing and superior results,” Nic says, adding, “we’re here to prove that the wait is over.” Beyond the two “Bays”, a third office servicing the Coatesville and wider Rodney area has just launched, and plans are underway further afield to bring Oliver Road’s specialist approach to both Queenstown and Christchurch.
Accolades including the recent “Best Independent Luxury Real Estate Agency in NZ” for the third year running (Luxury Lifestyle Awards), along with Jason’s position in the top one percent of salespeople nationwide (RateMyAgent), it could be fair to conclude that, as one recent client wrote in reviewing their experience, “These guys are without doubt the absolute best in the business.”
Go with the flow
Sentimental childhood memories played a huge role in choosing this home to raise the next generation. It took next-generation vision however, to transform a simple three-bedroom brick bungalow into a modern-day masterpiece
Sentimental childhood memories played a huge role in choosing this home to raise the next generation. It took next-generation vision however, to transform a simple three-bedroom brick bungalow into a modern-day masterpiece.
Words Jo Ferris
Returning home after years overseas, the familiarity of Tauranga’s Avenues’ precinct was the starting point for these vendors when searching for a home to raise their children. The location was perfect; enhanced by the fact the house hid down a private driveway. All it required was a new look to fit this family’s lifestyle.
In a somewhat back-to-front approach, the swimming pool came first. A challenging thought, given the secluded spot this home enjoys. Looking
at it now, the pool seems like it was here from the outset; such is the home’s intimate connection with this sun-drenched corner.
Intimacy is a key feature. Despite the density of this Avenues’ position, the home enjoys precious privacy. The driveway is the introduction – and was actually the first area to be upgraded. Lined with manicured olive trees and leafy layers of greenery, it sets the tone for what hides beyond.
The home nestles with a sheltered sun trap, thanks to a leafy fringe enhancing the privacy and discreet ambience. With the brickwork gone and the house completely transformed, sun and outdoor connections are integral to its outlook on life. Architectural designer John McAlpine of the Thorne Group turned the kitchen upside down, opened up the family hub in the process, added a second lounge and extended the home at the rear. This allowed for an ensuite master bedroom, a powder room and well-appointed laundry.
A mud room connects this laundry with the garage. Originally an external garage, the creation of an internal entry was not only logical, it allowed a natural corridor for a cloak room. The laundry was also given special treatment with decent bench space and custom cabinetry below and above.
Its finish matches the kitchen’s clean aesthetics. This is a focal point of the home – styled to match the coastal appeal of the family hub. A scullery expands pantry storage and provides a second workplace. It also leaves spacious counters in the kitchen free for entertaining around the essential bar-stool island. Double skylights and well-placed double glazing stream light and sun to ensure natural warmth all year round. Ducted heating is in place, but when the sun shines, this is rarely needed, thanks to the way this home harnesses the sun’s warmth all day.
Family relaxation considers family preferences. Two distinct living areas give separate places for family members to enjoy their own entertainment. The main hub is the initial focus – for dining, gathering and lazing on the cushioned window seat in the sun. Smart storage within this unit hides games, toys and books, while bi-fold windows slide open for a seamless connection with the cottage garden.
The TV lounge sits down the passage and shares a personal link with the swimming pool. Moods change in this room. This snug has a more intimate vibe. Inbuilt shelving and a desk cater for work and library storage. Its link with the pool however, instils a subtle resort hint.
A discreet outdoor corner slips off from the master bedroom. It’s yet another feature that highlights how good design not only embraces various corners outside, but demonstrates how outdoor flow and privacy can be incorporated into the function and flow of a family home. One that still has the advantage of a 10-Year Master Build Guarantee.
27 Briarley St, Avenues, Tauranga
In fine form
The art of designing a home and instilling finesse with its interior tone usually involves specialist expertise. This Pāpāmoa Beach home certainly involved expert talent. However, the vision behind its creation is the real story.
The art of designing a home and instilling finesse with its interior tone usually involves specialist expertise. This Pāpāmoa Beach home certainly involved expert talent. However, the vision behind its creation is the real story.
Words Jo Ferris
Kirri Gardiner had a dream to build a home in Palm Springs and set out to create a high-end property that matched its themed coastal features, waterways and playgrounds. Fully landscaped in keeping with this waterway setting, the entire property was created without compromise on quality – in every facet.
To appreciate that, you just have to understand Kirri’s passion and ability to gather a team of equally passionate people. New Plymouth’s Ian Macdonald of MacDesignz remained faithful to Kirri’s vision, while delivering an architectural home design. Kirri then contracted local builder Liam Collier from Collier Construction to bring her dream to fruition. Next came the interior design. After finding Auckland-based Alicia Jensen of Vue Concepts on the internet, the women met and connected straight away. Their styles matched and the concept of a totally custom approach laid the foundations for a brilliant partnership. Alicia’s contacts also made it easy to source this home’s bespoke elements. The result makes an immediate impact – one that honours the dedication by everyone involved in finetuning even the smallest element.
Bespoke styling disguises the extent of detail. Layer upon layer of high-end craftmanship underpins every aspect of this home. Features like the mimicking of tongue-and-groove cedar in aluminium accents that contrast with the charcoal tone of plaster elsewhere. Inside, customised vertical timber panelling is testament to the builder’s signature. It makes a statement on a feature wall in the family hub and media room. It appears again as a backdrop in the master bedroom – one designed for a Californian king bed – and still room to spare. A similar thread features in utility rooms, though the painted finish on a hardy material changes the texture, not the tone.
Kitchen, bathroom and utility joinery – designed by Vue Concepts and installed by A.one Kitchens & Interiors – is a master class in craftsmanship. A subtle industrial undertone blends innovation and forethought with materials and function in the kitchen and scullery. Negative detail follows push-touch minimalism – right to the unique texture on the island bar’s frontage; one that hides a bank of cabinets, including power points. This approach continues in both bathrooms, laundry and linen cupboard. Quality without compromise underpins every aspect of this home’s chic style.
Lighting plays a significant role. Down lights illuminate the home’s exterior at night and radiate shimmering flickers on the waterway alongside the home. Inset spots in the boardwalk entry light up the welcome, while garden corners and pathways all received special attention. Inside, sensors light passages, closets and bathrooms. Dimmed spots infuse romance into both bathrooms; enhanced by strip lighting in showers and subtle insets beside the oval bath for a candle-like mood. There’s even strip lighting beneath an oak shelving feature in
the laundry.
Considered thought behind the scenes hushes everything. Noise is no issue, thanks to the extent of high-spec silencing insulation. Every room has it. Every bedroom has custom wardrobe systems. Every room has individual temperature-controlled heating. Even the garage has its own heating and air conditioning. There’s extra parking for a small boat or camper. This home even has a garden shed – it’s just hidden within the footprint. Fully landscaped, irrigated and fenced with flair, this home rises above and beyond expectations.
Designed for the discerning, inspiration devised this home and combined passion created a property that fits Palm Spring’s lifestyle
appeal in this coastal setting.
6 Serrata Close, Palm Springs, Pāpāmoa Beach
Cloud Nine on Welcome Bay
You’ll never be so thrilled to get to the end of the road as when you’re viewing this magnificent outlook.
You’ll never be so thrilled to get to the end of the road as
when you’re viewing this magnificent outlook.
Words Jo Ferris
When it comes to views, Tauranga boasts among the most spectacular scenery. It’s all about perspective - whether you prefer being up close and personal, or above it all on cloud nine.
Welcome Bay is blessed with an extraordinary panorama, thanks to its north-facing outlook over Tauranga city, harbour and ocean vistas. The higher into the hinterland you go, the more exquisite the view becomes – and more peaceful.
Nestled into the hillside, just below the Waitaha Road ridge line, this home commands a magnificent outlook that stretches from Motiti Island to Coromandel. To enjoy Pāpāmoa sunrises and sunsets over the Kaimais, you need simply stroll to the top of the hill behind and stand in awe. The panorama not only catapults to another level, it pans right around to the hills behind Oropi and beyond.
The serenity is bliss – more so, learning the dedication to this property’s creation. What began as a significant block of farmland, was carefully carved by these vendors into a boutique enclave of 12 lifestyle properties. Their home sits above it all – removed from close proximity to neighbours below; and cherishing idyllic privacy.
Sheltered from prevailing winds, thanks to the way this home cuts into the hillside, it stands alone. With the hill plateau behind and gardens sloping down into grazing below, nature underpins the serenity here. This address is literally the end of the road.
The home is testament to sustainability and longevity. Constructed from imported aerated concrete blocks, the exterior walls are 250mm thick, interior walls are 175mm. A hushed, insulated ambience is in tune with the tranquillity outside.
Innovation flows throughout the home, in ways that ensure the view is always centre of attention. Apart from one bedroom and the intimate TV snug with its wood burner, every room embraces the postcard scenery. Polished concrete flooring is aesthetically beautiful and functional. While harnessing the sun’s warmth, there’s also a gas fire for mood. Double-sided, it serves the living area on one side and instils romance to the master bedroom next door.
Bathroom indulgence also embraces the astonishing scenery. No need for frosted windows here. Picture windows ensure bath relaxation savours the stars and Tauranga’s twinkling lights at night – both in the master ensuite and guest ensuite.
Outdoor intimacy is integral to this home’s subtle ambience. Decking extends its full length to connect with every room. The master bedroom
might boast its own fire. But few bedrooms can claim a lap pool outside their door; as the ensuite guest room enjoys. When it comes to alfresco entertaining however, this aspect takes a more secluded approach.
Stepping out from the living area, this outdoor zone combines sheltered alfresco dining around an open fire with a spacious setting that curves into the hillside. Rockeries and gardens embrace this corner within nature, before stepping up to the hill behind. The forethought here points to an understanding of nature, the elements and how to connect with the environment; not dominate it.
Careful to ensure this enclave preserved nature, the vendors created something special in this hillside retreat. Their decision to now put their own home on the market hasn’t been taken lightly. It’s time to step back and create a smaller haven. They have made sure nothing else can split up what they developed in this hillside enclave. That assurance is something to appreciate well into the future. Standing on the hilltop here - gazing down and out to all that sits below - that’s something to cherish. Cloud nine is hard to find.
332 Waitaha Road, Welcome Bay
Timeless seclusion
Soak up the privacy along with the waterfront scenery in this modern take on the traditional villa.
Soak up the privacy along with the waterfront scenery in this modern take on the traditional villa.
Words Jo Ferris
Taking the colonial character of villas from the past, this home combines the luxury and comfort of a modern build in ways that will retain its enduring grace for years to come.
Architecturally designed, the home was completed in 2009 and remains a testament to the vision of this peaceful setting on Tauranga Harbour. Nestled in a secluded waterfront corner just outside Katikati, the home enjoys complete privacy – lost within the freedom of this prime horticultural area.
A small avocado orchard and numerous edible plantings are natural additions to the lifestyle on offer here. But it’s the home and the serenity that gives this property purpose. The familiar lines that define colonial villas are emphasised immediately, thanks to the vast wrap-around verandahs. These follow the sun and extend private settings off bedrooms and living areas right around the house.
It begins with a café serving from the kitchen window into a quiet corner, before wrapping around the home to the main event and that waterfront scenery. Sheltered settings step down into the full sun and out into the garden where a firepit circle beckons to toast sunset. Towering palms and manicured gardens immerse this home within nature in ways that ensure all rooms savour the sun and scenery.
Four bedrooms all have the personal luxury of an ensuite – an aspect which enhances the potential to consider a possible commercial venture with boutique home hosting. Three bedrooms also enjoy French door access to the verandah, out to the garden and nature down by the water.
Mindful of the colonial influence, the attention to detail is to be admired. Colonial-styled wooden joinery throughout features traditional
brass hardware. Sash windows hark back to a different point in time, while parquet flooring in the foyer and kitchen also pays homage to the
age of craftsmanship.
The bespoke kitchen cleverly blends the appeal of a farmhouse design with the contemporary tone of sleek finish. Its ability to serve areas outside and indoors for both casual and formal dining makes entertaining a pleasure. Function and flow move easily from the family hub to the quieter mood by the fire in the lounge, or outdoors to alfresco areas. A well-placed spa is another invitation that enhances the leisure and relaxation here.
Finesse is clearly evident everywhere in this home. It’s what’s not seen that accentuates the vision behind its creation. A geothermal bore provides hot water for circulation in the home’s hydronic underfloor heating. This network extends throughout the entire home – excluding only the garage. Yet, even in this area, forethought has considered another option. Connected to the house via a verandah and with a sheltered patio of its own, this garage contains a large laundry, powder room and storage area. This is plumbed to allow possible conversion for a studio or separate accommodation, perhaps.
Additional features include several extras. A new fridge/freezer in the kitchen, TVs in the kitchen, lounge and bedroom, along with a Bosch washing/dryer machine. The spa pool stays, as does the fire pit, the ride-on mower; among other built-in features in the home and garage. Immaculate care of this home has kept pace, with a new dishwasher, plus a new solar/electric hot water cylinder with 10-year warranty.
Tranquillity underlines the very essence of this property. The home and grounds soothe the soul. Either wandering around the gardens, or strolling amid the avocado orchard, time here isn’t governed by a clock. Buffered from neighbouring properties, there is a sense of complete seclusion here. Water, scenery and sun feed the soul – what more could you ask for?
55 Pukakura Road, Katikati