135 Karewa Parade, Papamoa, Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty

Set on one of Papamoa’s most tightly held beachfront streets, this is the kind of place people spend years hoping to find. A soulful, architect-designed beach home, where sandy feet are part of the brief and the ocean is a constant companion.

Designed by architect David Page for his parents more than 50 years ago, this very special home has sheltered generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In recognition of its lasting architectural significance, it was honoured with the NZIA Branch Enduring Architecture Award, a rare accolade that speaks to how beautifully this home has stood the test of time.

Built in enduring concrete block with warm cedar board-and-batten, rimu posts and rafters, and timeless tile floors, it feels both grounded and deeply comforting, like a hug from the past. Importantly, everything is fully consented, with council sign-off in place.

Inside, the heart of the home is an open-plan living space where laughter carries up to the mezzanine bedrooms above, each with its own glimpse of the sea through charming dormer windows. In winter, the wood burner adds that irresistible warmth, salt air outside, crackle of the fire inside. And in the main dwelling, the magic is how present the water feels, from almost every vantage point the ocean sits within your view.

Unique sleeping areas accommodate up to 13 guests. A total achieved across the original dwelling and the thoughtfully converted garage, which also adds extra sleeping quarters plus a second bathroom. It’s this flexibility that makes the home such a natural gathering place for long summer holidays and spontaneous long weekends. There’s even a magical “crow’s nest”, the perfect hideaway for an afternoon nap on a bean bag while the sound of the ocean drifts in. The second main bedroom, once the mother’s art studio, opens to a private, sun-drenched courtyard, a peaceful corner for slow mornings and quiet creativity.

The living area spills out to the patio, where the beachfront advantage is instantly clear - uninterrupted line-of-sight to the sand, so you can relax inside or out while still keeping the kids in view as they play.

The landholding is exceptional offering 857sqm (more or less) of beachfront land, significantly larger than most neighbouring sites, offering space to spread out, play backyard cricket, or simply breathe in the sea air. And while it feels wonderfully tucked away, everyday ease is close by. Excelsa Village provides cafés, an artisan bakery, Four Square, the well-loved Henry & Ted café, and the latest Golden Sands New World supermarket development. ensuring convenience and community are close at hand. To the east, Sands Town Centre is already buzzing, with further stages underway that will transform it into a major shopping and dining destination.

This charming beach home offers a kind of magic you simply can’t replicate. Whether you choose to preserve this cherished beach home exactly as it is, enjoy it for generations to come, or explore future possibilities on this premium site, this is more than a property - it’s a legacy of coastal living at its most authentic.