'I fell in love with it immediately': The clifftop home he wasn't going to lose twice

Daniel Mu already knows one of the first questions you may have about his Auckland home – that clifftop location.

He's prepared with an answer.

“One of the reasons I felt comfortable purchasing the property was knowing that substantial professional stabilisation work had already been completed.

“That knowledge gave me confidence from the beginning and allowed me to focus on enjoying everything else that made the property so special.”

That clifftop location gives the striking four-bedroom home in the North Shore suburb of Torbay stunning panoramic views across the Hauraki Gulf, something that can even be enjoyed while playing a game of the world's fastest-growing sport.

There aren't many homes in New Zealand with a pickleball court in the backyard, but Mu transformed an existing playing area into a place where family and friends can work up a sweat.

“It already had a solid underlying structure, so rather than rebuilding it from scratch, we replaced the court floorboards and installed a professional pickleball playing surface.”

Those not into racquet sports can have a putt on the practice green or simply relax in the sauna or on the deck.

“I redesigned the outdoor barbecue and entertaining area as a Mediterranean-inspired coastal retreat,” says Mu.

“The inspiration came from summer trips through Europe. I was drawn to the relaxed atmosphere of Mediterranean coastal villages and wanted to recreate some of that feeling at home.”

The home was built in 1977, and Mu and his family moved in seven years ago.

“I fell in love with it immediately,” he says.

“I didn't get the opportunity to purchase it the first time it was listed for sale. I admired it from afar and hoped another opportunity would arise. When it returned to the market some time later, I knew I could not let it pass a second time.”

Naturally, the views were a major selling point.

“The moment I walked into the living room, I was drawn straight to the endless expanse of sea stretching towards the horizon. It was one of those rare moments when you immediately know a place is special.”

Even now, years later, he says “the view never stays the same”.

The bones of the house were solid when he bought it, and he never set out to fundamentally change the property.

“My goal was always to respect the original architecture, preserve the qualities that made the home unique, and allow it to evolve while remaining true to its character.”

He's most proud of restoring the original Jarrah timber flooring.

“Seeing it come back to life was incredibly rewarding.”

Other changes include a refreshed exterior, new fencing, a timber walkway running alongside the house, and landscaping to create a “lush arrival experience”.

The home still carries reminders of its previous owners, including a brass memorial plaque in the fireplace commemorating Terry Carboon QSM, a driving force behind the Special Olympics in New Zealand.

“Knowing that Terry's family chose this place to honour his memory suggests just how meaningful the property must have been to them.

“I have always found that thought very moving.”

His favourite room is the Crow's Nest, which he likens to a lighthouse.

“In that space, I feel temporarily removed from the busyness of everyday life and able to focus deeply.”