Seaside villa sees all, from dolphins and penguins to passing ships

Seals are frequent visitors to the rocks, along with kārora - little blue penguins. Dolphins and orca also visit. Photo: Harcourts

The Overton block and park were once the site of a Māori settlement on the peninsula. Some of the land was subdivided in 1897. Photo: Supplied

A deck wraps right around the the front of the house, maximising the view and shelter. Photo: Harcourts

The wide hall and stained glass entry are villa features, but the house is not as decorative as the typical “villa” style. It would have been built as a weekend-holiday home. Photo: Harcourts

This is how people arrived to Karaka Bays 100-plus years ago. The owners have this picture and others framed on the wall. Photo: Supplied

The long walk off the boat along the wharf would have marked the start of a holiday for the owners of the wee settlement. Photo: Supplied

Even the dining area keeps the view foremost. Photo: Harcourts

The kitchen still features the original coal range, but it is not used for cooking. Photo: Harcourts

Light colours in the interior ensure nothing detracts from the view. Photo: Harcourts

The main bedroom is on the corner of the house, with easy access to the deck. Photo: Harcourts

The owners say it has been easy to create a garden as the house is sheltered from the prevailing nor-westerlies. Photo: Harcourts