Whakamarama has a well-earned reputation for country lifestyle and scenery. This modern property however, has a special outlook that enhances life in this neighbour-friendly enclave. From its elevated position - nestled in relative seclusion - this lovely home gazes over Waipapa River to the hills beyond.

North-facing and boasting the added benefit of a wetland ribbon fringing the river. Home to a profusion of bird species, it's a magnet for other wildlife to drop in and feast on this tidal plain - a special place, at one with nature.

Gazing down upon it is one thing. Knowing you have legal access to this riverside esplanade - with its jetty and boat ramp to launch the jet ski or kayak down the river to Tauranga Harbour - is something else again. This legal access is one of the property's true highlights.

"You'll find sparkling ponds, planted and alive with birdlife. It's the perfect picnic spot, while the kids swim or bomb off the jetty."

While arguably one of the biggest drawcards; this property offers so much more - generous space where family can love life, work from home, grow produce and entertain in style. Thoughtful design provides a third lounge; quite separate from family living. Complete with a wood burner - it's somewhere to watch movies, play music and entertain in peace. Tucked beside two bedrooms and family bathroom, this wing closes off from the rest of the house to enhance the privacy - be it for children, extended family or guests. External access simply increases the options.

The master retreat sits in a far corner of the house - beautifully removed to cherish its own privacy. An ensuite and walk-in wardrobe are mandatory - while personal outdoor flow links with a huge sun-deck to savour the scenery and river below. The next surprise is the cafe-styled barbecue lounge. Sheltered overhead with clear glazing and screened on two sides for more intimacy, the outlook to the river and countryside ensures this is a year-round drawcard. Daylight saving looms, warmer weather is almost here, so where better to toast the evenings than with a barbecue as birds finish their evening song.

Entertaining inside is just as inviting, however. The heart of the home revolves around a Hampton-inspired kitchen, with a walk-in pantry and island feature, formal dining and family living. Opening outside to wrap-around decking, clever design enhances the flow between the various outdoor settings and a cosy, fireside sitting room next door once the evening draws in.

A separate 9 x 6 metre garage offers ample workshop and storage, while a Podlife cabin office with hyper fibre ensures working from home - actually stays out of the home. This is a substantial property - features galore with generous space inside and out - all hinged on an intimate connection with nature.

In brief: Location: 70A Francis Rd, Whakamarama

Property: 4,100sqm (approx), overlooks Waipapa River, wetland and countryside. Legal access to river esplanade with jetty and boat ramp. 202sqm (approx), modern home, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (include ensuite and walk-in wardrobe for master with family bathroom and separate W/C in another wing). Open-plan family living includes Hampton-inspired kitchen, walk-in pantry, dining, lounge. Semi-separate lounge with wood burner next door. Third lounge with wood burner and separate access beside family bedrooms and bathroom. Laundry. Outdoor flow from family living and master bedroom to north-facing decks with river views. Boardwalk link with 'cafe-style' outdoor lounge, screened on two sides and glazed roofing overhead. Separate 9x6m garage/workshop. Podlife office with hyper fibre. Features include ducted air-conditioning, heat pump outside office, dream machine pro Unifi console, garden shed, glasshouse, raised beds and more. Near Omokoroa, schooling and SH2 links to Tauranga, Coromandel, Waikato and Auckland.

CHATTELS  Fixed floor coverings   |   Light fittings   |   Rangehood   |   Dishwasher   |   Smoke detector(s) x 2   |   Heated towel rail(s) x 2   |   Auto Garage Door Opener x2 and Remote x2   |   Bath   |   Clothesline   |   Hob/cooktop - Electric   |   Wall Oven - Electric   |   Extractor Fan   |   Garden Shed   |   Glasshouse   |   Letterbox   |   Mirrors x2 (bathroom)   |   Outbuilding (permitted)   |   Refrigerator   |   Security Lighting   |   TV Aerial   |   TV Brackets x2   |   Freestanding fires x2   |   Haier ducted air-conditioning system   |   Heat pump (outside office)   |   Dream machine pro Unifi console