Luxury Real Estate

Nicola Christinger of HomeHunts SARL. The New Zealand property market is still booming. Prices have risen by over 10% a year for the last 3 years, and a recent study forecasts annual price growth of 9.8 per cent next year but 9.2 per cent annually overall between now and 2012, and the economy is still fairly young and unemployment is still low, with foreign nationals being encouraged to relocate and fill gaps in areas of the employment market. The New Zealand economy is well positioned for the future, as is the property market which still offers attractive long term potential. 

Living in New Zealand, residents benefit from strong health and education systems and a lifestyle second to none. With the strength of the British pound, those purchasing property in New Zealand can generally purchase a New Zealand property vastly superior to what they previously owned and there is also no stamp duty or capital gains tax.

Buying a home in New Zealand is one of the simpler processes due to the lack of restrictions for UK residents and the variety of visas for prospective migrants on offer and the New Zealand government is actively seeking migrants.

The beautiful open countryside, uncrowded beaches and low crime rate combine to make property in New Zealand a very attractive option. Summers in New Zealand are like no other place on the planet and of course the New Zealand summer falls during the Northern Hemisphere winter.

But there is one property which is perhaps unique in its location and it is rare that such a breathtaking residence comes onto the property market. This beautiful, contemporary eco-house in an exceptional location in the “Winterless North” of New Zealand has not only stunning views of the surrounding countryside and bay, but its own private golden sand swimming beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

In 2003, the current owners bought the sun drenched north-facing property from the family that was given the land by the Maori in the early 1830s, and that’s when the hard work began. There were no roads or services for electricity or phone lines all had to be put in. Over 7500 native trees were planted, almost all by hand, working with local expert native landscaper Rory Clark from Kerikeri.

This property stands on a plot of land (16.2 hectares or 40 acres) and the owners worked very closely with the architects and designs to ensure that the property blended in with its environment and was designed to be ecologically sound and as aesthetically off-the-charts as the location.

The 340m2 home, with 5.5 metre ceilings (about 18 feet), comprises linked zones, or pods, containing a central Great Room and kitchen, which is flanked by a guest bedroom/office/library to the east and a Master Bedroom and impressive Master Bath with two glass walls to the west. The house is protected by the land around it and can only be seen from the sea.

Various courtyards and decks surround the house so there is always a sunny and wind-free place to enjoy the outdoors.

The materials in the house are of a natural palette. Flooring throughout is French Beaumaniere limestone and the ceilings are Philippine mahogany, the tone of which ties in well with the American cherry cabinetry and bookcases throughout.

There is a distinct feeling of luxurious anticipation, a feeling of an unfolding as you approach the house. There are gates, ponds, a native forest, which you drive through, statutes from Bali and Thailand, all offering a sense of protection and peace.

On the virtually private beach, you can swim, you can collect the famous NZ Green Mussels off the rocks and you can fish for snapper, kowhai, and other wonderful fish.

Kerikeri Airport is located 45 minutes south, Kaitaia Airport is located 25 minutes north and both have daily service to Auckland airport. Mangonui is a seven minutes drive south. This is considered to be one of the most charming villages in NZ.

Kerikeri, a town of approximately 25000 people and recently voted the best small town in New Zealand, and the famous Kauri Cliffs Golf course are both less than an hour’s drive. New Zealand is big into boating and Doubtless Bay and surrounds (Whangaroa Harbour and the Bay Of Islands ) are world famous for fishing, sailing and Big Game Fishing.

Paradise is not lost, it is most definitely here.