GRANDEUR
This timeless home blends Victorian grace with modern luxury on five peaceful acres.
This timeless home blends Victorian grace with modern luxury on five peaceful acres.
WORDS JO FERRIS
Entering the sweeping driveway of this Pyes Pa estate, you could be forgiven for thinking this manor was born in a past era of opulence and genteel lifestyle.
That’s partly true. The home certainly exudes the magnificence of bygone history. Except for one key point. It was developed in 2009; designed, built and fashioned by an English couple with a vision to recreate American Victorian architecture.
The current owners are only the second family to cherish the lifestyle and extraordinary detail of this unique home. Exploring its depth takes time, such is the scrupulous attention to intricate elements and fittings imported from around the world.
In developing this five-acre landscape, it was important for the home and garden to be equal partners. Both are integral to the estate’s mystique. Its enchanting tranquillity embraces rolling lawns, mature specimens, fruit trees, table grapes, an exquisite wisteria-clad bower, and two kitchen gardens.
Chickens have departed as these owners prepare for their next venture; but the run and free-range lifestyle begs new occupants; just like the house. Sitting centre stage within this idyllic landscape; it is majestic — true reverence to the vision behind its creation.
Expansive at around 706sqm — living areas and amenities dominate the ground floor with five bedrooms and bathrooms above. Stepping into the atrium welcome, it’s clear from the outset that every aspect of this home revolves around space, scale and soaring ceilings. The bespoke kitchen and casual dining hub sit to one side, before stepping into a family lounge, or formal dining room, if you choose. That’s the joy of this home. Every room is its own entity, while offering personal preference for its use.
That’s the other aspect to absorb here. While there is a common thread, with wainscoting wall panels and Burmese ironwood timber flooring; no ceiling is the same, no architrave, cornice, light fitting, door hardware or window treatment. Lead-light panes, designed specifically for each room, feature different patterns and tones; the most romantic seen in the master bathroom, above the shower.
Of the five bedrooms, three have ensuites, customised accordingly, with imported vanities, mirrors, lighting, and Victorian claw-foot baths in two. The fourth bedroom has semi-ensuite privilege with the family bathroom, and is shared with the fifth bedroom. Storage throughout is phenomenal — dressing rooms, closets and utility rooms all highlight their relevance to this home’s status.
A dedicated study, cinema room, billiard room and reception lounge complete the home downstairs, each personalised with purpose. Of all the intricate details that amaze, the turret housing the reception lounge and primary bedroom above both feature ceiling styles modelled on the shape of British 50-pence coin.
The wrap-around verandah overlooking the pool was also masterfully designed, with shade in summer, sun in winter and windows escaping the rain. The detail everywhere is infinite, right to the four-bay garage. With significant space for vehicles and work, its vast attic is one of the final surprises.
Or is it the resort swimming pool? With an outdoor shower, pool house, changing rooms and powder room, this pool holds its own secret — capturing water for irrigation. Solar panels and battery storage provide free power, with the excess sold to the grid. Robotic mowers groom lawns like velvet. A three-bay American barn offers further storage, while two gated entrances ensure security.
Truly a masterpiece of historical homage, fashioned with all today’s modern features, this is a rare invitation to a cherished lifestyle. A rural aspect on the city fringe — three minutes to an international Cambridge curriculum school, handy to one-stop shopping at The Crossing and easy drives to the airport and expressways. City and lifestyle in one.
866 Pyes Pa Rd, Pyes Pa
THE BEACON
Commanding an expansive site on Ongare Point, this exceptional home stands proudly above its neighbours in this peaceful seaside enclave above Tauranga Harbour.
Commanding an expansive site on Ongare Point, this exceptional home stands proudly above its neighbours in this peaceful seaside enclave above Tauranga Harbour.
WORDS JO FERRIS
Set on a private ridge with gated entry, the residence is the result of a thoughtful collaboration between the owner, designer Richard Fuller and award-winning builder Belco Homes.
With deep family ties to the land, the owners paid homage to its history by salvaging native rimu from the original homestead — now reimagined as a stunning feature wall and bureau in the family room.
While this sentimental touch celebrates the heritage that inspired the new residence, this property also showcases what can be achieved today when space, design and craftsmanship unite in perfect harmony.
The master retreat is a true sanctuary, with sumptuous space and a grandstand balcony overlooking the harbour. Generous living zones on the lower level are designed for seamless indoor-outdoor flow, perfect for entertaining or quiet enjoyment.
Serve refreshments and nibbles through sliding windows in the bespoke kitchen to the courtyard. Host friends in the sunny ambience of the games’ room. Enjoy alfresco entertainment outdoors, dine formally inside or relax fireside in the family living area.
Moods change to a more intimate ambience in the formal lounge. For ultimate unwinding however, sway gently in the innovative hanging furniture in the sheltered outdoor lounge.
Occupying a sprawling 5,529sqm site, the home extends across 451sqm over two levels. This is complemented by extensive shedding, a swimming pool and tennis court, yet still boasts ample space for recreation and relaxation in the beautifully landscaped grounds.
Every aspect of this home revolves around its breathtaking scenery. Sweeping harbour views capture Bowentown Heads, Matakana Island and beyond to Mauao and Mount Maunganui.
Each room enjoys a unique outlook; whether coastal or countryside. Offering four bedrooms, each enjoys its own ensuite, while a powder room increases convenience for guests.
Apart from the internal garage, substantial shedding provides further space for vehicles, storage or workshop use. This is complemented by a separate garden shed for tools and equipment.
Luxury and practicality combine through a host of high-spec features, both inside and out. These include advanced heating systems and a state-of-the-art sound system to robotic pool and lawn maintenance.
A home for the seasons and generations; this property is truly the jewel of Ongare Point — a rare opportunity to secure a landmark coastal resident of enduring quality, privacy and prestige.
300 Ongare Point Rd, Ongare Point
A LA MODE
A tropical escape beneath Mauao’s gaze, this Mount home is a bold masterpiece of imagination and indulgence.
A tropical escape beneath Mauao’s gaze, this Mount home is a bold masterpiece of imagination and indulgence.
WORDS JO FERRIS
It’s hard to conceive a property like this even exists in Mount Maunganui’s blue-chip neck at the foot of Mauao; let alone one that transports you to a place of tropical indulgence. Knowing it’s the vision of a local business couple, it becomes apparent. This home is a work of art — a complex story, layered with mystique.
Hidden from the road and seemingly lost against a backdrop of high-rise towers; once inside, everything disappears. Apart from Mauao, of course. That’s one feature that should always be revered in this part of town. And revered it is, thanks to a wall of glazing in the lounge framing this iconic landmark, around to Pilot Bay.
Given a 230sqm, narrow site, wedged between a low-rise apartment complex and the house in front, a multi-level home was the only logical concept.
Tauranga architect Mark Carnachan worked to a brief that maximised sun, space and outlooks, while minimising views of neighbouring high-rises. The result is extraordinary — a multi-level home that defies any limitations of a tight spot.
The depth, tone, texture and ways each zone interacts is absorbing; the sense of seclusion, immersive. At its lowest point, a self-contained studio allows bespoke accommodation for family or guests. With both a lift and stairwell access, the home rises through five, split-levels in what is essentially four stories.
With the studio tucked below ground level, it shares access with a private, tropical garden — a complete surprise; with its spa-pool, designer seating and surreal vibe.
Every aspect of this home is a revelation, each level their own entity, yet linked in intimate ways. The gourmet kitchen, with its soaring, 7m black ceiling is pure magic. Flowing out to an alfresco lounge, screened above and to the side with motorised louvres and sliding doors, the tropics again come to mind.
Connection with the lounge and dining room a few steps above is genius, the sloping ceiling and glass balustrade create a marriage of perfection. And that’s part of this home’s intrigue. Spaces are partitioned to create sensory connections, while flowing one to the other.
The ultimate luxury sits in the master retreat on the upper level, a bedroom and snug of velvety romance and bathroom of sheer indulgence, thanks to its twin showers and steam sauna. A home of pure imagination and focus on fun; it touches the senses in every conceivable way.
18b Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui
Ebb and flow
Minutes from Katikati, this secluded waterfront paradise with panoramic harbour views is a rare lifestyle gem.
Minutes from Katikati, this secluded waterfront paradise with panoramic harbour views is a rare lifestyle gem.
words JO FERRIS
Herons drop in to share nature within this waterfront haven. Views gaze across Tauranga Harbour, right down to Tauranga, where city lights twinkle at night. A sandy beach on the waterfront reserve awaits to push the boat out and fish in the harbour. For ocean jaunts and bigger game, larger vessels can be launched from the Long Beach Reserve boat ramp nearby.
This is ultimate serenity – seclusion within a waterfront headland minutes from Katikati – recognised for its friendly, village ambience and easy commutes to Tauranga on one side and Auckland on the other. But only if you want to. Everything you need is already here.
Home to these vendors for 22 years, gated entry to this established avocado orchard ensures privacy is absolute – the world left behind, tranquillity and harbour link proving why they have loved this lifestyle for so long.
Timeless elegance and smart design ensure views and nature remain the stars. Downstairs’ bedrooms all enjoy personal access to the verandah sweeping along the home. Every living area also opens outdoors, while bi-fold windows in the kitchen ensure alfresco relaxation is well catered for. Upstairs, the spacious master retreat has the added benefit of privacy, with elevated views and a balcony to cherish it all in peace and quiet.
Revolving around entertainment, this aspect is introduced the moment the front door opens. The foyer frames the harbour outlook, but also divides family living and the lounge – a feature that instils different moods to each area.
There is a third mood in this home, however. Sitting at the far end and linked with the garage, a multi-purpose room invites numerous options. Also connected with the garden and, complete with a benchtop and sink, it enhances this area’s purpose, be it leisure, exercise or work.
Gazing out to the massive waterfront sweep, there is potential to enhance recreation here. Leading out from the home, gentle formality in the garden is easy-care. As it steps down to the playground lawn, this open expanse offers endless opportunity. A pool, cricket, golf, or all three? There’s certainly room here.
A discreetly-placed shed with mezzanine, storage, kitchenette, bathroom and laundry complements orchard production – either working it as lifestyle option or opting for management with any of the local providers.
Every day is a new day, fishing or cruising the harbour, venturing out to sea and Mayor Island, or simply cherishing the seclusion and tranquillity – along with the herons.
258E Beach Road, Katikati