Big Original on Full Site in Prime Position

This solid two storey home on 842m2 on Marine Parade has seen some changes along this prime Mount Maunganui beachfront since 1978.

What was a street of beach baches and a few more substantial homes like this one is now a prestigious strip which has well earned its 'golden mile' tag - four golden kilometers actually!

The house is so large it currently rents as two spacious flats but the internal stairs are still there and it would convert back to one home easily if desired. Meanwhile two sets of tenants, one below and one upstairs both enjoy living so close to the sea they can see, hear and smell it. The number of surf boards stacked in both flats suggests that the residents relish their relaxed lifestyle right in the middle of the region's most highly valued water front real estate.

The home retains plenty of its 1970s character and charm, not the least being plenty of space. The flat below has a kitchen backing open plan living with sliding doors out to a patio. This area was probably adapted when it was decided the house was plenty big enough to act as two dwellings. There are two bedrooms down the hall which leads to a large garage, one of two that face the rear of the property. Lawn slopes very gently to the rear fence from the wide concrete parking slab at the back.

The upper level comprises the original kitchen with original stainless steel bench, dining area forward of it - with gorgeous views - and bi fold doors through to the large lounge. The upper patio has been glassed in for a sheltered conservatory above the ocean outlook. Off a hall with nice curved corners there are three bedrooms, two of them exceptionally large. The most attractive one has a window tucked in the corner so you can wake to sea views. The stairs to the lower level are right at the back and can be used as alternative access to the steps up the front.

There is such a good sense of separation between the two levels that if renovated the home could lend itself to having the main living upstairs and guest accommodation below. Otherwise a family has the bones of a generous five bedroom home to work with.

It is no wonder the location is so prized. Cross the street to the beach. Walk along to Tay Street caf? for morning coffee or meals, stroll to most of the attractions which make this such a popular holiday resort.

This sort of property is becoming rare in this location - a genuine original which has hardly been tampered with. Enjoy its heritage or create one of your own.