By Amy Houlihan.

This unique Castor Bay retreat is a true celebration of sight and sound. Enveloped within vibrant native bush, with a rushing stream below and native birdsong filling the air, it’s difficult to believe the property is located at the heart of the North Shore.

An architects own home, 50 Braemar Road was crafted 40 years ago and is now presented to market for the first time. Inspired by the site, the owners designed it to be like a resort in the topics – made from natural materials sitting and amongst the tree canopy, with a relaxed, flowing floorplan and plenty of outdoor living. The grounds are spectacular and have been beautifully maintained over the years, existing within their own flourishing microclimate.

Pathways meander through native and tropical landscaping and the dense bush, with decks suspended above the creek running through the base of the site that’s filled with trout. Castor Bay beach, park and the local cafe are 700m away, an easy stroll from home, while Milford, Mairangi Bay and Takapuna are also easily accessible.

Positioned down a private right-of-way, there’s off-street parking available for two cars in front of the three-car garage building. A purpose-built boat park has also allowed the owners to drive their Sealegs directly down to the beach for launching.

The residence has been designed to maximise the beauty of the setting, with a profusion of glass throughout bringing the outside in at every turn. The floors are a mixture of handcrafted Morris and James tiles and Kauri, with warm timber also used on the ceilings throughout. Entry level on the ground floor is dedicated to accommodation – with three bedrooms serviced by two bathrooms. The master bedroom is special, with a large walk-in wardrobe and white tiled ensuite, plus a window seat embraced by a fish pond and water feature on the outside wall.

Upstairs, multiple living and dining zones surround the modern kitchen, positioned at the heart of the level. A voluminous, open plan room has towering pavilion-style ceilings and flows out to two decks on one side of the home, while the cosier lounge has a wood burning fireplace and opens out to a more intimate balcony on the other. The very top floor houses another lounge/study, with a deck that enjoys views of the Hauraki Gulf. This space could easily be reconfigured into the fourth bedroom if required.

This bespoke Castor Bay oasis will appeal to discerning purchasers with a passion for the unique and who relish the beauty of a native bush setting.