PEAK PLEASURE
Rarefied air with the world at your fingertips – we like the sound of that.
WORDS JO FERRIS
Due to this region’s unique geography, spectacular scenery underpins where and how to live in the Bay. Hilltop locations arguably claim the best vistas, however.
High in the Pāpāmoa hills, Summerhill has an air of mystery about it. Not often featured in real estate circles, this lifestyle parkland is best known to locals who visit its golf course and surrounding recreational areas.
Properties in Summerhill don’t come on to the market that often, and for good reason. The sense of seclusion and scenery is worth holding on to. For golfers, this is a rare opportunity to enter a tightly held area – no green fees required. Even if golf isn’t part of your equation, the freedom to wander or jog around the course is a pastime to cherish.
Sitting in a private enclave of just 11 residences, this home boasts an extraordinary panorama that encompasses the surrounding hills, the coastline up to Coromandel and scenery across to the Kaimais. Pāpāmoa’s regional park and historic pā site are in front, and Tauranga Harbour is also in view. At night, when the city lights and stars twinkle, it’s magical.
Thoughtful design provides degrees of separation, courtesy of a two-level configuration and tiered landscaping. A guest room and ensuite upstairs provide privacy for visitors, while the three bedrooms on the level below include the sanctuary-like master suite, which savours its own spectacular scenery, best enjoyed on the cushioned window seat in the sun or outside in a private courtyard.
The other big feature downstairs is the games room. Tailored for pool, darts, and big-screen movies or sport, it complements entertainment of a different kind upstairs.
The heart of the home focuses on food, wine and good company. Delicious dark cabinetry in the kitchen enhances its ‘country restaurant’ vibe. Flowing outdoors to a sheltered alfresco lounge, the scenery is centre stage. Toasting sunset is a necessity where you can wind down at day’s end and cherish the tranquillity. Either relaxing in the family room around the hanging fire or enjoying quiet time in the second lounge, this home just keeps on giving.
The grounds revolve around playground lawns, native plants and an outdoor fire setting. A garden shed keeps tools out of the garage and there’s ample room to develop further with a swimming pool, home orchard or practice greens.
Far from the madding crowd, amid the serenity of Summerhill, the view shows just how close suburbia is, yet allows you to leave others to it.
5 Chestnut Lane, Summerhill, Pāpāmoa Hills