At the very end of Te Hapua Road, beyond a private driveway winding through the dunes, lies a home of extraordinary beauty. Architecturally designed by Michael O’Brien, this remarkable coastal residence is so thoughtfully integrated into its surroundings that it feels as though it has always belonged here. A world of its own, where architecture, landscape and nature exist in perfect harmony.
The approach is captivating. Arrival at the home reveals a striking composition of cedar, steel, timber and glass. Beautifully balanced within the landscape, the home is an expression of considered design, exquisite craftsmanship and an enduring connection to its coastal setting.
Step inside and the attention to detail is immediately apparent. Earthy aggregate concrete floors, warm timber finishes and beautifully crafted joinery establish the home's natural palette. A welcoming staircase, with its bespoke curved timber handrail, beckons you upstairs, where the true magic unfolds.
Here, soaring ceilings and expansive picture windows open the home to the sky, revealing an uninterrupted coastal panorama of breathtaking proportions. Kapiti Island commands the western horizon, with views stretching north and south along the coastline and, on clear days, to the mountains of the central plateau and the South Island beyond.
The generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living spaces are designed to celebrate this extraordinary outlook. A beautifully appointed kitchen features double ovens and a substantial working island, crafted from timber milled from the owners' former farmstead. The adjoining living area opens to an expansive west-facing deck, an exceptional vantage point for sunsets, passing weather and the ever-changing colours of sea and sky.
The upper level also accommodates a beautifully positioned master suite, complete with ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and its own private balcony overlooking the eastern landscape. An additional room, ideal as an office or potential fourth bedroom, enjoys access to a north-facing balcony, while a further bathroom provides convenience for guests. A lift connecting the two levels is another thoughtful inclusion.
Downstairs, two generous double bedrooms enjoy beautiful garden outlooks, complemented by a full bathroom and kitchenette. An exceptional covered alfresco entertaining area, complete with an open fireplace and pizza oven, creates a wonderfully sheltered space for gathering with family and friends throughout the seasons. Internal-access double garaging, excellent storage, double glazing and underfloor heating further enhance the home's everyday comfort.
Outside, the landscape is every bit as considered as the architecture. Carefully selected native plantings, including harakeke, kawakawa and tī kōuka, weave through the dunes, preserving and enhancing the natural environment. A tranquil pond attracts birdlife, while productive gardens, raised beds, a tunnel house and an established asparagus plot bring another dimension to life here.
From the western deck, wander up to the dune crest and discover sweeping views along the coast in both directions. Here, the landscape feels boundless. The evening skies are extraordinary, sunsets unforgettable, and after dark, the stars emerge in all their brilliance.
Every element of this property speaks to the vision and care of its owners, who have created something genuinely special. A place for entertaining, working from home, welcoming family or simply retreating from the demands of the outside world.
A remarkable coastal legacy, ready for its next chapter.
