Bethells Beach House

An Award-Winning Residence on the Shores of Bethells Beach

Beautifully crafted with sharp but simple structural form and clean lines, this home is in calm and harmonious relationship to its environment. We love the pure, modern composition and innovative design with warm, welcoming interiors and the dramatic silhouette.

Overlooking the dramatic black sand dunes and shores of Bethells Beach on the rugged and wild west coast of the north island of New Zealand, this modern home is nestled into a  steep hillside in the lush forested coastal highlands.

Conceived and designed by Herriot Melhuish O’Neill Architects and winner of the NZIA New Zealand Award in 2003, the residence is constructed using three separate timber boxes with decks that extend out over the horizon and around the perimeter, affording breathtaking views of the coast and mountainous terrain.

The horizontal silhouette incorporates two main boxes with flat roofs that float above the tree line and a third box houses an independent, fully equipped live-in art studio. With complex intersecting lines inside and out, the grid like architectural effect extends to both the interiors and exteriors with wood panels and partitions and clear glazing or translucent fiberglass that either frame the views or diffuse the natural light for privacy.

The two story main house has three bedrooms and two baths with a spacious living area and separate dining area off of the chef's kitchen. The private home of an artist, the house is furnished with a chic and personal selection of contemporary art and vintage items that feel like home.

Surrounded by the wild and scenic New Zealand coastline and designed with a mix of style and function, this house gets both right. 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Wifi throughout, TV. Land line telephone for local use. Housekeeping and laundry facilities. Double car garage parking.

AROUND

The lush and wild west coast of New Zealand's northern island features miles of rugged shoreline, dramatic black sand beaches and dunes, substantial stretches of protected wetlands and the Waitakere River. Bethells Beach also known as the Ta Henga region is a short walk away with unforgettable views of the Tasman Sea and where behind the dunes you'll find Lake Wainamu - a popular and peaceful swimming alternative to the rough west coast shores. A little further south is the Waitakere mountain range and national park as well as Auckland Centennial National Park that leads down to Little Huia valley and the Manukau Harbour off of downtown Auckland. 

Formed around an extinct volcano, the city is encircled by two large harbours around which much of the luxury yacht and street life orbit. The main drag of Queen Street overlooks the oldest sections of the city, gardens and parks and the bustling Ponsonby and Parnell districts. A melting pot of native Maori, European, Asian and Polynesian cultures give the city a distinctive personality. 

LOCATION

Bethells Beach, Auckland, New Zealand. Nearest Airport: Auckland Airport (1 hr)