Enjoy beach front living at its loveliest

An idyllically located beach house that’s been in the same family for more than 40 years is being offered for sale with the option to buy the adjoining property.

The charming three-bedroom Waikanae Beach house, at 41 Field Way, can be bought separately or together with 43 Field Way.

Built in the 1960s, it’s on a surprisingly sheltered 1012-square metre section with postcard-perfect views over rolling sand dunes to Kapiti Island.

‘‘For 42 years this was our ‘bach at the beach,’’’ the vendors say. ‘‘Originally it was one of only a handful along Waikanae Beach and was much smaller until we built out.’’

They extended the dwelling in the 1980s to capitalise on its privileged vantage point and private indoor-outdoor living.

Because of how the weatherboard-and-tile roof house is stepped back from the coastline, it enjoys a sunny north-west aspect with stunning views while being shielded against the prevailing wind.

It’s also set back from the street, where a line of pohutukawa trees guard the leafy entrance, with its tiered lawn and long driveway for offstreet parking.

A patio, with views of the eastern hills, steps up to a porch and the front door, which opens into a hall that has glazing at the far end to maximise natural light and showcase Kapiti Island.

Two of the three doublebedrooms come off the hall. Both have lovely leafy views; one is carpeted, the other has the hardwood floors that extend from the hall into the spacious living and dining areas that face west for brilliant sunsets over Kapiti

Island.

The latter have spectacular Canadian cedar ceilings with exposed rafters, which infuse immense volume with rustic character, and open on three sides to decking or patio for the ultimate in summertime living.

The lounge has an open fireplace with a brick arch and hearth while a heat pump optimises warmth and coolness year-round in the dining space (which comfortably fits an eightseater table).

The kitchen has a northeastfacing corner window for morning sun and includes an electric range, French door refrigeratorfreezer and breakfast bar.

The main bedroom is off the lounge and opens to decking that steps down to a large flat lawn, at the northern end of which is a built-in barbecue with stone walls that links to the covered patio off the kitchen.

The bathroom combines a bath, shower cabinet and vanity with laundry facilities; the toilet is separate.

‘‘This is an amazing opportunity on its own,’’ agent Della Randall says, ‘‘one that evokes the timeless appeal of owning a bach at the beach, albeit one that’s evolved into a beach house suitable for permanent living.

‘‘But seldom, on such a sought-after stretch of coastline, can you buy not just one but two houses on adjoining titles at the same time.

‘‘This truly is a once-ina-lifetime chance to enjoy beachfront living at its loveliest or to redevelop both properties to create your dream seaside home.’’