Bella Italia

This masterpiece of Italian-inspired luxury offers timeless craftsmanship and unforgettable grandeur in the heart of Tauranga.

words JO FERRIS

Discerning property buyers will know that this impressive property has been on the market for some time. You would be wise to put any perceptions, or thoughts of changing it, aside – rather see the home for what it is. Think like an Italian and appreciate that family sits at the heart of life.

Jason Eves sums it up when saying anyone who has followed Tauranga real estate will appreciate opportunities like this come once in a blue moon. Bella Italia’s vision was born from the Italian owner’s understanding of craftmanship.

Craftsmanship that not only lasts the passage of time, but continues that legacy through the generations, without modification, merely the appreciation that age brings to refined lifestyle.

This property impresses not just for its epic size and scale, but its multi-layered approach. Three residences in one include a four-bedroom home within the main level, a two-bedroom apartment on the upper floor, and a one-bedroom studio apartment within the ground floor.

Solid concrete construction underpins the focus on longevity and quality, while incorporating sound-proofing that ensures privacy for all three residences.

Designing three separate homes in one, the engineering knowledge and foresight remains faithful to the centuries’-old Italian palazzos this property was based upon. The design and finish might extol the Italian penchant for grandeur. Beneath all this however, the home disguises its attention to the fundamentals of a warm, healthy environment.

It epitomises the Mediterranean appreciation of family and entertainment. Either housing intergenerational family units, accommodating staff, or utilising this home’s unique presence for boutique accommodation, this is a multi-faceted property. Entertaining inside or out, the focus revolves around nurture and nourishment. It’s easy to envision long, lazy lunches outside, or lingering dinner parties in the soaring luxury of the banquet hall inside.

Blending Italian materials with New Zealand accents, this property fuses Mediterranean heritage with hi-tech innovation and engineering ingenuity. Safely guarded behind gated security, within nearly an acre, this haven ensures seclusion and solace, protection and privacy. Manicured gardens and courtyard corners, topiary pathways and sloping lawns, a heated pool for year-round leisure, a spa for added bliss – it is the quintessential lifestyle.

Overlooking the Wairoa Valley, this property has sun and scenery by day, with exquisite sunsets as nightfall arrives. A sense of country, yet close to major arterial links to Tauranga and beyond, Bella Italia is simply perfezione.

5 Sunny Downs Drive, Tauriko

OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM

Country class

Elevated Oropi living with stylish design and family-focused spaces, this modern retreat blends nature, privacy and possibility.

words JO FERRIS

Nestled behind a fringe of manuka trees, this home’s introduction hides one of its biggest features: stunning scenery. Views embrace rolling farmland around the house, down to the city, the harbour and ocean. Mauao is majestic, yet it seems dwarfed by the magnificence of Mayor Island/Tūhua behind. Gazing right up to the Coromandel, these views set the stage for a beautiful lifestyle from this lofty position.

As a recent build, the home revolves around family, entertaining and intimate connection with nature. Oropi has escaped much of the horticultural development that has swept the countryside elsewhere in this region.

While not devoid of neighbours, clever landscaping instils enough seclusion, while still inviting weekend gatherings. Parent privacy is absolute. A five-star retreat sits in its own wing, away from the remaining three bedrooms, at the far end. This feature alone, gives children or guests their own space; an elegant bathroom to share and separate powder room for added convenience.

Every bedroom basks in views, however – either down the valley or out to the countryside. Particularly exquisite is the eastern view towards Pāpāmoa Hills and an historic pa site.

An office, study nook and storage enhance the design and convenience within the parent wing, while clever flow increases practical aspects of family life. Each zone interconnects, yet remains defined – storage maximising space wherever possible. At the heart of it all, relaxation and entertainment are centre stage – the family hub showcasing soaring ceilings with contemporary trusses and barn door feature.

The bespoke kitchen has a scullery to keep prep and pantry storage out of sight. Modern farmhouse styling also showcases the love of bold colour – dark denim cabinetry the perfect complement to the tone and texture that instils personality throughout this home.

Dark woodgrain flooring in this family hub adds depth, while being on trend and practical for life in the country.

Features throughout this home accentuate innovative design elements. A cloak room off the foyer and guest powder room, cushioned window seats in bedrooms and shelving in both living areas – perfect for books, artwork and special items.

As the home slips outdoors to the loggia and playground expanse, there is room to develop this property further – a pool, tennis or mini golf, perhaps?

Fruit trees are already in place, while dedicated veggie and herb boxes sit off the kitchen for easy access. Built with forethought, nature meets lifestyle with originality and nuance in this idyllic Oropi setting.

1115B Oropi Rd, Oropi OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM

A legacy to love

At Lemon Grove, grace and history stand tall, with elegant architecture, breathtaking harbour views, and a century-old beech tree anchoring its story.

words JO FERRIS

Heritage and sentiment share a natural synergy – history ever present in this home’s journey through time; as each owner added new chapters along the way.

Known to many who live in and around Lemon Grove Avenue, the towering beech tree gracing this home’s entry is seen far and wide. If trees could only talk, memories would run deep.

As it turns out, memories not only run deep, they stretch around the world – to England, where the son of this home’s developer still remembers his early childhood here. Built in 1932 for a Mr Knowles, this English engineer had moved to New Zealand to follow his dream to grow lemons on this Ōtūmoetai site.

Originally covering some 30 acres, this address was named accordingly. A far cry from what exists now, the house started out as a single-level farmhouse in solid stucco with a terracotta tile roof.

After the birth of her son, Mrs Knowles planted a beech tree when he was two years old. Sadly, she missed England so much, the family returned home a year later. Despite his youth, the son never forgot the home; missing it his entire life – even making visits over the years to see the dramatic changes it underwent.

Now two levels – the second storey was added in the ‘40s by a Dr Kenney, who used the house as a surgery and convalescent home. The next owners subdivided and sold the surrounding land – adding their own mark to the property with a swimming pool, creating a large terrace and loggia at the same time.

As the beech tree grew, the grounds were developed and nurtured over the years to resemble the formality of an English country garden with hedgerows, specimen trees and wisteria.

Records also show that the home has been used for a knitting business and at one point was split into three flats.

The current owners fell in love the moment they saw this home nine years ago – lured by the landmark towering beech; but also, the size and scale of the property, plus the harbour view to Mauao and beyond.

Having lived overseas for many years, they wanted to return to New Zealand to continue raising their family. The space was vastly different from what they had left – a house of substance and around 1600 square metres of grounds, offering the sheltered privacy of a pool, gardens and large playground lawn for cricket and croquet. North-facing and elevated, the sweeping harbour panorama can be seen from every room, bar the laundry.

Impressive in its design, the solid rimu kitchen with its marble benches is a standout. Elegant living areas revolve around entertainment and link to the outdoors and terrace settings. A study, guest bedroom, heritage bathroom and laundry sit downstairs, while the ensuite master retreat and three more bedrooms sit upstairs – all basking in the stunning views.

Joining this home’s handful of owners who have loved life here, the time has come to pass the heritage on to another family. Every owner has done something to the home – either dramatically through extension; or cosmetically.

Committed to maintaining the home’s character, these vendors have redecorated throughout – preparing its upkeep with respect and mindful of its essence. A particularly poignant aspect concerns a letter these owners now have as a reminder of that little three-year old who never forgot this home. Now in his 80s, upon hearing a niece was coming to New Zealand, he wrote a letter for her to give to them. Just as he never forgot the home of his childhood, these owners will take their own memories with them – a letter in hand, marking the bond between generations and a home – history and sentiment forever intertwined.

39 Lemon Grove Avenue, Ōtūmoetai OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM

Elegance defined

Perched on a ridge with commanding views, this distinguished residence and premium avocado orchard unite to create one of the Bay of Plenty's most prestigious, perfectly crafted lifestyle properties.

words JO FERRIS

Bought for the exquisite panorama from Mauao, Matakana and harbour to the Kaimais, this elevated ridge was virtually a blank canvas. Nothing remains externally of the original house; only the shelter belts and concrete driveway strips.

Constructed by former boat builder turned house builder Tony Farley, an obsession for detail both by Farley and the owners entailed a lengthy journey to perfection.

Its Hamptons theme blends quality with a focus on views and intimate outdoor flow. Designed as a boutique bed and breakfast, Ridgeton has earned praise from guests who cherished this exquisite seclusion.

The privacy afforded in the lower level is equally appealing as a family residence, however. An elegant lounge and four bedrooms all open outdoors to bask in the scenery amid various verandah settings. One bedroom has its own ensuite, while another has semi ensuite access to the bathroom shared by remaining bedrooms. A powder room enhances the convenience, while design genius combines a private laundry, kitchenette and cloakroom feature.

Significant storage also uses every possible space – including the stairwell. Upstairs privacy elevates this home’s prestige and command of scenery.

The five-star master retreat greets sunrise and bathes in Mauao’s glory; spacious luxury enjoying the indulgence of a bathroom for two and fitted dressing room.

Open-plan living takes full advantage of natural light and scenery. Eyes feast on the kitchen – imported Palazzo glass cabinetry cleverly finished in a matte white sheen and stainless steel hardware accentuating the quality. Nothing dominates, features stand out simply due to tasteful finish and detail; accents showcased on the likes of tiled splashbacks and solid oak elements on flooring and bathroom vanities.

Wrap-around decking follows the sun all day; glass balustrades ensure all views are seamless. When the sun does dip behind the Kaimais, rainbow beams f licker off the crystal chandelier as fairy lights in the lounge. Nuance and nature are balanced by high specifications in this home and graceful garden. It exudes romance amid secluded tranquillity – settings to reflect throughout the day and evening – under the verandah, amid floral fragrance or beneath the alfresco bower, where espaliered citrus plantings will eventually cover the trellis roofing.

Genius is everywhere, including the avocados. Planted in 2020, this high density orchard is a pioneer of the industry’s future; part of the extraordinary invitation this property extends. Graceful in design, refined with detail; Ridgeton has reached a milestone – ready for a new chapter.

46 Prestidge Rd, Aongatete OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM