Nestled at the bottom of Hamilton Rd behind the white plaster walls that have defined Westpoint apartments for 30 years, is a ground floor courtyard and garden recently updated to maximise its unique location.

It was serendipitous for the McLeans, who designed and managed the original landscaping, to be engaged to breathe new life into the neglected garden.

The current owners felt hemmed in by the narrow deck and balustrade wall of the original architecture. They wanted to get close to the Pohutukawa-fringed bay and the soothing sound of the lapping water.

This has been achieved. The new design encompasses an expansive terrace open to the immediacy of the seascape, featuring built-in cooking and seating area, and secluded spa – flanked by floating boardwalks, lush eastern-inspired plantings, gravel, groundcovers and topiary.