6 ACRES WATERFRONT-NATURAL SERENITY, CLASSIC ELEGANCE- BOAT MOORING - $3000000

Description

Hidden within mature coastal forest, sheltered from the prevailing sou'westerlies and just a few minutes from Matiatia wharf and Oneroa Village on Church Bay Road, this absolute waterfront (riparian) property with its private and serene grounds is amongst Waiheke's most exquisite. For lovers of character and soul, the 20 year old unique homestead has been lovingly created from historic buildings and villas from throughout New Zealand, with a resulting atmosphere and romance that will enchant you forever. The north-east facing decks overlook the fruit-laden subtropical orchard and Huruhi Bay. Plus just a short row away, your own deep water mooring. Indulge yourself in the gracious lifestyle afforded by this extraordinary seaside homestead. THE HOMESTEAD - 'An extraordinary composition of a carefully restored connoisseurs collection of Heritage Features.' In 1986 the vendors, having been inspired by former Prime Minister Coate's mansion on Paretai Drive ,Orakei, decided to build following the original layout but in effect removing all the downstair walls to create an open plan living, dining and kitchen area. The original bays or extensions with wrap around verandahs and central staircase as per Coates' mansion design were retained. This new homestead was strategically sited on an elevated plateau with northerly sun aspect and broad seascape of Hurihi Bay. Fitted were many sets of original kauri paneled french doors and an extensive collection of kauri framed leadlight and arched windows and feature fittings sourced from the demolition of many heritage buildings from around New Zealand. These included the best of the timbers, fittings and glasswork taken from such buildings as: * The DIC department store in Wellington * The carved kauri brackets and heavy staircase from the old Ellerslie Racecourse pavilion. * Brass-barred panel doors from the St Marys Bay Convent on College Hill. * The ornate balustrades and newel posts from the NZ Herald building in Fanshaw Street. * A complete set of double hung windows and doors from the Arundel Hotel in City Road, Central Auckland (featuring unique deco landscapes). * The matai and kauri floors from the top floor of the ferry building on Quay Street. * A classic arched staircase window from St Margaret's College. * All the useable native timbers from the demolition of the 'Hooks' pioneer homestead on Waiheke's Surfdale Beach. * Pressed steel ceiling over stairwell and main bathroom from the old Frankton Townhall. The new 'old villa' was constructed to exceed modern structural standards, insulated, strengthened with double external linings and erected on a double elevated and braced platform. The result is a modest mansion or manor house, imposing yet unassuming and authentic, with a romantic and nostalgic feel and a beautiful light filled ambience. This house transcends the design limitations and impracticality of the original building. The project was a labour of love, largely completed by 1987. Below the house, a track leads down to secluded Koao Bay (included within the property boundaries), with its shelly beach providing a playground for swimming, boating or lounging. Oneroa village is a comfortable 15 minute walk from the beach. ONEROA The house complements the character and quality of the land, which is mostly covered in covenanted native forest, in its full original diversity. To the eastern (sea) side is a pohutukawa forest sloping to the sea. The house is backed by very old mixed trees including puriri, taraire, tawa, kohekohe, karaka, kanuka etc. To the northern front of the house is a gentle slope with lawns and established home orchard planted since 1980, including fruiting persimmons, citrus trees, custard apples, avocados, macadamias, apricots, peaches, pecans, walnut, feijoa, fig etc. On the western slopes, a small 20 year old woodlot forest was established to provide a sustainable supply of firewood and milling timbers. The private elevated access drive from/to Oneroa and Matiatia wharf, gives stunning views of Auckland city, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel and the Waiheke coast. Only a few minutes drive away from the wharf and the regular fast ferry 35 minutes service to downtown Auckland City and central business district. Will consider full or part trade. Vendor is considering best offers until 15 April 2009 deadline