A peninsula of your own

Ten hectares, a private beach, exceptional architecture and one of the Bay of Islands’ most commanding waterfront positions, just three kilometres from Russell.

There are waterfront homes, and then there are properties where the land itself creates the experience.

Set across its own 10.38-hectare peninsula above Uruti Bay, this remarkable estate at 6021 Russell, Whakapara Road, Russell occupies an extraordinarily private position, with water wrapping around the headland and long views reaching across the Bay of Islands towards Waitangi.

Yet for all its sense of seclusion, Russell township is only three kilometres away.

That combination of privacy without isolation is at the heart of what makes this home so compelling.

Parkland grounds roll towards the coast. Native bush and walking tracks weave through the land. Olive groves, orchards and established gardens create a landscape that feels settled and mature, while below the house a sheltered beach, boatshed and deep-water mooring provide a direct connection to the water.

Architectural design meets waterfront living

At its centre is a substantial Noel Martin-designed residence, completed in 2018 by master builder Andy Grierson.

Rather than feeling imposing, the approximately 900sqm built footprint has been arranged to make a very large home feel remarkably comfortable and welcoming. Separate wings radiate from a dramatic great room rising seven metres, creating spaces that work equally well for quiet everyday living, extended family or a house full of guests.

The kitchen sits naturally at the centre of the home and opens towards the covered outdoor living area, where long lunches can drift into sunset evenings overlooking the bay. Equally, there are places throughout the home to retreat, slow down and simply enjoy the solitude.

Four bedrooms and six bathrooms provide generous accommodation, including three ensuited bedrooms and a master suite occupying its own private wing. There is also a study, studio and large upstairs games room, while a deep triple garage connects to a practical mudroom and bathroom.

Bayleys salesperson Lauren Mirabito says the property’s scale is only part of its appeal.

“What I love about this home is that it gives you both worlds. You can have family and friends here, entertain on a large scale and really enjoy everything the property offers, but you can just as easily find your own quiet corner, switch off and feel completely removed from everything.”

And here, the lifestyle extends well beyond the house.

A lifestyle centred on the water

Riparian rights take the property directly to the water's edge, where a private beach sits below the residence.

Alongside it, the boatshed, complete with facilities and its own fireplace, has become another living space in its own right; somewhere to swim, light the barbecue, gather with family and friends or spend an evening beside the water.

For boating enthusiasts, the opportunity is even more compelling. Boat launching is available approximately two hours either side of high tide, while a deep-water mooring with approximately 2.5 metres of depth sits close to the home, making it easy to step aboard and head straight out into the Bay.

From here, the Bay of Islands is quite literally on your doorstep. Days can begin at the water’s edge and unfold by boat, exploring sheltered bays, islands, beaches and anchorages that draw visitors from around the world, before returning home to your own peninsula at the end of the day.

Exceptional privacy close to Russell

On the opposite side of the headland, a helicopter landing area provides another arrival point.

Bayleys salesperson David Baguley says it is the complete combination that sets the property apart.

“There are beautiful homes throughout the Bay of Islands, but very few offer this level of privacy, scale and access to the water while still being so close to Russell. You can walk down to your own beach, step onto your boat and head out into the Bay, then be back home surrounded by 10 hectares of your own land. That is what makes this property genuinely special.”

A complete lifestyle estate

A separate road entrance leads to the property's black barn, which incorporates accommodation suitable for guests or a caretaker, while further sheds and established farm infrastructure make the wider holding practical to manage.

Paddocks, cattle yards and walking tracks extend through the property, alongside an orchard producing citrus, apples and avocados and an established olive grove yielding approximately 160 litres of oil annually. There is also the opportunity for a seamless transition, with experienced people who know the estate and its day-to-day care well indicating they would be keen to remain involved, subject to separate arrangements with the new owner.

An opportunity difficult to replicate

For its current owners, this has very much been a home rather than an occasional escape, somewhere to live immersed in the landscape and enjoy the Bay of Islands and everything it has to offer throughout the year.

Their decision to move closer to extended family now creates an opportunity for a new custodian to take ownership of a property that would be exceedingly difficult to replicate.

Pricing has recently been refined, an extensive chattels list accompanies the property and furniture is also available by negotiation.

Lauren Mirabito and David Baguley say the message to interested buyers is simple: come and have the conversation.

“Interested parties should not assume the estate sits beyond reach simply because of its scale. The owners have made the decision to move forward and are genuinely open to a conversation with anyone who can see themselves here. With pricing now refined, come and talk to us, you may be pleasantly surprised by where that conversation leads.”

For all the specifications, the architecture, the acreage, the beach, boatshed, mooring and supporting infrastructure, perhaps the greatest luxury is simpler.

It is waking up on a Bay of Islands peninsula that is, for all practical purposes, your own.

6021 Russell Whakapara Road, Russell is for sale by international tender closing 4pm, Wednesday 17th February 2027 (unless sold prior).