6 minute read
Zen by design
East meets west in this stunning home’s Japanese-inspired aesthetic.
WORDS JO FERRIS
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This Mount Maunganui home’s dramatic street-front greeting showcases a striking look born in Japan. Yakisugi’s authentic process of charring sugi cedar not only improves the timber’s life span, it adds another layer to this home’s haunting story.
It’s a story of evolvement – from this home’s birth in 1956 to a stunning epitome of the Mount’s coastal vibe. The weatherboard construction remains, but that’s about all. Over the years, different owners have embedded their own mark. The vivid allure of black, vertical shiplap on walls curving around this home’s lower area are a fitting imprint by these vendors.
Stunning aesthetics aside, two hidden elements enhance this driveway’s function. Power in one corner offers a charge point for vehicles and parking for a motorhome. A gas point in a recess allows for the addition of screen doors to hide bottles and utility bins.
The garage is another improvement by these owners. Lined over block, carpeted and finished with extra detail, it is now a multi-purpose zone. An internal stairwell leads up to the first level. For visitors, the sugi-clad steps sweep up through a coastal-themed garden, where resident tuis haunt the pōhutukawa. They’re so frequent and familiar, these owners have even named them.
Other than original native timber flooring throughout the home, the décor was completely transformed by prior owners.
One intriguing feature pays homage to the construction. A distressed weatherboard panel hanging on a passage wall as a work of art, is actually a disguise for the hot water cylinder behind.
Apart from one original window in the master bedroom, joinery was replaced with double-glazed aluminium. Plywood is a statement element that instils tone and texture in key areas. Feature walls showcase ply’s natural blonde finish, while black negative detailing makes a striking effect in-between the panels. Kitchen cabinetry is finished in laminated plywood, while timeless stainless steel benches are a practical surface cooks will appreciate.
Open-plan living and outdoor flow maximises space to connect with areas outside. A morning balcony at the front gazes out to sea. At the rear, there’s an intimate link with a secluded backyard oasis. The third bedroom also opens out to this sun deck and shelter from afternoon breeze within this tropical sanctuary. It’s an easy-care garden – with a corner for veges and a hidden sink bench for filleting fish.
The master bedroom commands the front-row ocean view. A second living area above, elevates this to a grandstand coastal outlook. With glimpses to three islands, Motiti sits directly in front and waves can be seen lapping on the beach. This is a spacious, multi-purpose zone – an invitation for leisure or work. With sun streaming inside, an air conditioning unit keeps life cool in hot weather. There are two more heat pumps elsewhere, plus a wood burner. Highly efficient, it’s another feature which matches this home’s distinctive vibe.
Within walking distance to the beach and cafes, this impressive home awaits another chapter. Inspection is invited, and more information is available on Oliver Road Real Estate’s website.
OLIVERROADESTATEAGENTS.COM
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
If you’re looking for a more relaxed-yet-refined way of life, Althorp Village may be just the right place to call home.
WORDS MONIQUE BALVERT-O’CONNOR / PHOTOS JAHL MARSHALL
Given its top-notch appearance, the facilities and all that’s on offer (more than 30 activities a week, from choir to aqua aerobics), it’s not surprising Althorp Village has a holiday resort ambience.
With well-thought-out recreational facilities and architecturally designed dwellings, accentuated by stunning gardens and an expansive park-like setting, the retirement village combines resort-style amenities with high-quality homes. There are impressive outdoor facilities too – think lawn bowls, croquet, tennis and garden allotments (there’s even a hobby shed).
Althorp Village manager Claire Keen says the village residents enjoy the opportunities offered, as well as embracing independent living and organising their own groups and events.
“Our vision is to create an environment where our residents can find like-minded people and where they can be happy and enjoy their golden years, stress and trouble free.”
Set across more than 12 hectares, this premier residential village for seniors has two apartment blocks. The Lodge offers a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and The Garden Apartments are all large north facing two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments. There are 211 different properties on site including a motel.
The Althorp Village philosophy promotes the idea of residents staying in their own homes for as long as possible and with as much help as required. “It’s a happy balance between keeping a close eye on how everyone is doing without being intrusive,” Claire says.
“We are an independent living village – every level of care is available if, and when, required. Our residents can go from an independent apartment or villa to serviced apartments and then on to Radius Althorp Hospital if required. The hospital includes rest home level beds, respite care beds and geriatric care,” she explains.
Currently available is the opportunity to buy a license to occupy a two-bedroom apartment in The Garden Apartment Block, and a three-bedroom apartment in The Lodge apartment block.
Garden apartments have two bedrooms, a large ensuite plus a guest bathroom. They are north-
facing and at ground level, opening out onto a large patio, beyond which are the muchadmired gardens. These apartments enjoy spacious open-plan main living, underfloor heating throughout, a separate laundry and excellent storage. Parking is secure and undercover, with a large storage cupboard included.
Lodge Apartment 8 captures lots of sun, features three bedrooms, ensuite and main bathroom, and an open plan kitchen, dining and lounge. This apartment is on the second floor and overlooks the village gardens. The large deck is a lovely spot where you can bask in the afternoon sun. There is underground parking and storage. The apartment is accessed via the village’s atrium area – a popular enclosed space, flooded with light. It’s but a hop, skip, and jump from this apartment to many of the indoor activities on offer. Housed in the building are, for example, the indoor heated pool, gymnasium, spa, movie theatre, bar, library, games room, dining and lounge areas.
Claire and team also stress that its important for families to know we have a friendly and caring community of residents. The Althorp Team is also aware the aging process for families can often be daunting and its important for family members to know we can guide them to whatever levels of support are required.
Claire says the opportunity to buy a Licence to Occupy at Althorp Village is an exciting one as they don’t come up very often and there is usually a waiting list.
