Niulii ocean, cliff, and Maui View
Yesterday, I visited my friends at Vitorino Ranch (Hawaii Paso Finos) in Niulii at the end of the road, almost to Pololu Valley, in North Kohala on the Big Island. The day was crystal clear after a night of gentle trade winds. Their ranch is just below one of the three amazing listings at the top of the market in Kohala (when I say “Kohala” I mean the portion of North Kohala that encompasses Hawi, Kapa’au and all the neighborhoods from there to the end of the road). Looking up at the valleys and green mountains, down at the oceans and cliffs, and across the channel to Maui, I thought “today this is the most beautiful spot on Earth.”
Ohana House
That helps explain why the “Ohana House” (MLS# 229636) is listed at $9.65 million.
- There are three parcels with a total of over 70 acres, stretching from the road down to the ocean. With so much land on which to land, the current owners have been known to arrive by helicopter.
- Three parcels means potentially three houses could be built.
“Ohana House” a Niulii Kohala Landmark
That’s why this arresting residence that stops drivers to Pololu in their tracks, is referred to as the “ohana” or guest house. It was built by Seattle architect Jim Cutler (perhaps best known as the architect for the pool house at Bill and Melinda Gates’s estate), and has the distinction of being named a “Record” house by Architectural Record in 2007. Compact, luxurious, built to honor the elements, setting and views, this guest house alone cost an estimated $3 million.
Although one of the three parcels is a long strip of oceanfront, extending down to Keokea Park and known for rare groves of hala trees, the knowledgeable buyer would be more likely to avoid the difficulties of building in conservation zoned oceanfront land (see my earlier post “What you need to know about buying oceanfront in Hawaii) and consider a main house at a higher elevation, the better to maximize views mauka (mountain-ward) as well as makai (ocean-word).
- Some days, this is the most beautiful spot on Earth. Nani wale Niuli’i kahela i ka la’i (Beautiful Niuli’i lying calm and peaceful) begins the song Maika’i Kamakani O Kohala…
A hui hou,
Beth Thoma Robinson, R(S)
Direct: 808.443.4588
Email: beth@hawaiilife.com
Katie Minkus, R(BIC)
June 29, 2010
Beth – I have to agree, this is one of the most beautiful spots on earth… and the ‘Ohana House is perfection in a small package!! Got $9M I can borrow??? 🙂
Katie Minkus, R(BIC)
June 29, 2010
Beth – I have to agree, this is one of the most beautiful spots on earth… and the ‘Ohana House is perfection in a small package!! Got $9M I can borrow??? 🙂
Karen E. Bail
June 30, 2010
Hi Beth. As the listing agent for the Jim Cutler’s “Ohana House” at Niuli’i I though I should clarify some erroneous statements in your blog.
The owners have not regularly accessed the property via Helicopter. They did it only once, it is not a regular use of the property. The neighbors were quite upset as it spooked the horses so it was never attempted again.
A helipad requires an SMA assessment from the county to determine whether it requires an SMA minor or major permit. This application is available on line. If it is determined that a special use permit is required, the process requires notification of all neighboring property owners and highly regards their comments.
The size of the property is 72.71 acres and is a bit more when accounting for all parcels included in the sale.
Thank you very much for blogging about my listing. I hope that one day you will show it to the perfect new owner. It is rather easy to show. We like to get as much notice as possible to allow the caretaker time to prepare this home, an architectural work of art, for showing. Mahalo and a hui hou.
Karen E. Bail
June 30, 2010
Hi Beth. As the listing agent for the Jim Cutler’s “Ohana House” at Niuli’i I though I should clarify some erroneous statements in your blog.
The owners have not regularly accessed the property via Helicopter. They did it only once, it is not a regular use of the property. The neighbors were quite upset as it spooked the horses so it was never attempted again.
A helipad requires an SMA assessment from the county to determine whether it requires an SMA minor or major permit. This application is available on line. If it is determined that a special use permit is required, the process requires notification of all neighboring property owners and highly regards their comments.
The size of the property is 72.71 acres and is a bit more when accounting for all parcels included in the sale.
Thank you very much for blogging about my listing. I hope that one day you will show it to the perfect new owner. It is rather easy to show. We like to get as much notice as possible to allow the caretaker time to prepare this home, an architectural work of art, for showing. Mahalo and a hui hou.
Karen E. Bail
July 1, 2010
Hi Beth..Karen again. Wanted to let you know that the owners have plans designed by Texas Architect Mel Lawrence for the conservation property. This Conversation Zone designation allows for 5,000 square of improvements. The 20+ acre parcel has lots of places to tuck this very interesting design, the sellers chose a great spot but it still could be moved since the permit has not been issued. Most other preliminary reports such as the Archaeology Report and other required studies are complete. They will be included in the sale!
Thanks again for the Blog. Hope you can find a buyer for this truly special estate by the sea at Niuli’i.
Karen E. Bail
July 1, 2010
Hi Beth..Karen again. Wanted to let you know that the owners have plans designed by Texas Architect Mel Lawrence for the conservation property. This Conversation Zone designation allows for 5,000 square of improvements. The 20+ acre parcel has lots of places to tuck this very interesting design, the sellers chose a great spot but it still could be moved since the permit has not been issued. Most other preliminary reports such as the Archaeology Report and other required studies are complete. They will be included in the sale!
Thanks again for the Blog. Hope you can find a buyer for this truly special estate by the sea at Niuli’i.
Beth Thoma Robinson R(S)
July 2, 2010
Hi Karen,
Thanks for checking in again. It really is a special home in a special place.
Aloha
Beth
Beth Thoma Robinson R(S)
July 2, 2010
Hi Karen,
Thanks for checking in again. It really is a special home in a special place.
Aloha
Beth
Hawaii Considers Change to Oceanfront Building Rules « Hawaii Real Estate Market
September 8, 2010
[…] for review, as the listing agent quite correctly commented on my blog post about her multi-parcel oceanfront listing in Niulii (MLS 229636), if a parcel is ONLY zoned conservation, a single residential structure of up to 5,000 […]
Hawaii Considers Change to Oceanfront Building Rules « Hawaii Real Estate Market
September 8, 2010
[…] for review, as the listing agent quite correctly commented on my blog post about her multi-parcel oceanfront listing in Niulii (MLS 229636), if a parcel is ONLY zoned conservation, a single residential structure of up to 5,000 […]