104 Darraghs Road, Brookfield, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty

First time ever for sale. This Otumoetai property combines the enviable attributes of wide estuary outlook, proximity to shops, schools and local waterfront tracks, and a location that affords quick easy access into central Tauranga and elsewhere.

“I want to sit in the window and look out over the trees to the estuary,” was the brief when this owner had the home designed by well-regarded architect, Dennis Pocock. The best craftsmen were employed to build it, completion in 1982 after 6,000 hours work! Quality timbers are integral to its construction. The front door is solid Kauri. Joinery, internal doors, kitchen and bathroom cabinetry and wall panelling is Rimu, Douglas Fir features in ceilings. Cedar and brick meld on the exterior.

The three level east and north facing home combines expansiveness with intimacy and makes dramatic use of skylights to flood light into halls and stairs, recently upgraded bathrooms and the spa room. Family bedrooms, office and living occupy the middle floor. A guest room with potential is on the lower level and the master suite enjoys glorious views on the top floor, where you also discover intriguing extra spaces. Storage is copious.

The 2535sqm (approx.) site features Rimu, Kauri and Totara trees planted in 1939 and one of the oldest and largest ginkgo trees in the area. Paths weave down a hillside protected by substantially engineered retaining and comprehensive drainage. Such is the microclimate that banana palms thrive along with a veritable salad of other fruit bearing trees and covered vegetable gardens.

Over 40 years later the same owner has never tired of the outlook from the window seat in the lounge, or of the estuary and city panorama they live with every day. Walkers and cyclists weave along the boardwalks through the wetlands below. The views vary with the tides and the way the city reflects on the water at sunset, its lights glowing at night.

A rare opportunity to revel in a country lifestyle right in the city.