‘It's enchanting’: Waterfront homeowner prepares to say a reluctant goodbye

Greg Morgan didn't really stand much of a chance when he first viewed the bach-like waterfront property near Russell. It was love at first sight.

"The tide was in and it was picturesque. It was more the location than the house itself ... It's enchanting," says Morgan.

Six years later, his affection for the two-bedroom home on the Wahapu Peninsula remains as strong as ever.

"Walking out your front door and down to the beach is hard to beat. You can really clear your head, get your feet in the water, get wet. It's just so good for your soul."

The home itself was built in 1979 by respected boat builder Dennis Brown, who constructed many of his vessels in the boatshed beside the water.

Over the years the property changed hands several times, with previous owners undertaking significant upgrades before Morgan purchased it. But one thing remained unchanged: there was no road access.

"There was a walking track through the bush. From up at the road at Major Bridge Drive, you walked down a zigzag track, which was about 150 metres.

"That's all very romantic until you're carrying your groceries in the rain, so yeah, so we actually put a driveway in, which cost a small fortune."

The solution wasn't simple.

He describes it as "quite a feat of engineering".

Fortunately, there was another way to arrive home. The property comes with its own mooring, allowing owners to "zip across the water" by boat.

Life at the property revolves around the bay. Morgan says the sunrises and sunsets are magical, especially enjoyed with a "cold gin" on the deck off the bedroom on the first floor: “I enjoy that view every day and it never gets old."

The ground floor contains the kitchen and living areas, with a large deck outside. There’s also a bedroom and bathroom.

Entertaining has been a big part of life there too, with family and friends gathering around the barbecue. There's also an outdoor bath and shower, storage space and even a yoga nook.

"There are so many facets. For a little house, it's got a lot of character.“

He describes the bird life as “crazy”: “The tūī, the wood pigeons and other little birds that I've never seen anywhere else. At night there are kiwi all around the house.”

The retired engineer, who stepped away from his business 18 months ago, has also fallen for the wider Bay of Islands lifestyle.

He describes Russell as being "like living on an island".

Not that everything is perfect.

"Everything's expensive, and getting tradesmen is a challenge."

He says local builders produce excellent work, "but they all live here for the lifestyle, so they're not too interested in working weekends".

Patience, he says, is essential.

While the property has hosted milestone celebrations, including a recent birthday surrounded by family and friends, it is often the smaller memories that mean the most.

"My grandson and I rowed a dinghy out and caught three snapper and brought them back and had them for breakfast one morning. You can't buy that experience."

The decision hasn't been easy.

It will be tough for him to leave, but he already has some advice for whoever buys the property next.

"Don't try and change anything. Just leave it and enjoy it."

The CV on 16 Major Bridge Drive was $1,150,000 on September 1, 2025 but this is unlikely to reflect the sale price. It is to be sold by deadline of June 29 and is listed with Irene Bremner at Bayleys.

Readers are advised to do their own due diligence when considering buying a home. A first point of reference could be government website settled.govt.nz, or our email course, the First-time Buyers Club.

This article was originally posted by stuff.co.nz