Feature article

Best-kept secret: First look at Nathan family multi-million dollar compound

Mangawhai beachfront estate with multiple homes and helipads is for sale after decades of private family ownership.

Colleen Hawkes
Last updated: 1 May 2026 | 5 min read

The late David Nathan and his wife Pamela preferred to keep a low profile while living here, and even asked architect Andrew Patterson not to enter the house for any awards. Photo: Bayleys

Lawn, sand and sea. The family has enjoyed 24 years of fishing, boating and playing here at Mangawhai, hidden from public view. Photo: Bayleys

Refined Interior with Coastal Views

The main home features a large, modern kitchen that flows into open-plan living spaces, designed for entertaining with coastal views in the background.

Transformation of the land

The landscape has been transformed with professional planting and maintenance. There are two helipads on site

There has been no shortage of recreational choices on the estate, including tennis. Photo: Bayleys

There are two landscaped dams on the property - and swans. Photo: Bayleys

The Boatshed is a three-bedroom cottage right beside the water - and of course there’s storage for the “toys”, which have included this Sealegs. Photo: Bayleys

Like all the cottages, The Boatshed has great views. Photo: Bayleys

And this is Clifftops Lodge, an African safari-style glamping set-up - it is a permanent structure but the exterior walls are canvas. Photo: Bayleys

Both Clifftops Lodge and The Potting Shed have been available as holiday rentals. Photo: Bayleys

The outdoor tub at Clifftops is privately situated off to one side. Photo: Bayleys

Potting shed

Originally built as an art studio, The Potting Shed makes a very comfortable hideaway.

There are four residences on the 48ha lifestyle block. Photo: Bayleys

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