Checking out the lifestyle

A trial building project has resulted in a solid and superbly comfortable house. VICKI HOLDER tries it on for size.

This stylish European-inspired plaster villa in the exclusive enclave of Parklands Estate in Howick was built as an experiment.

With a combined experience of 25 years in the building industry, the owners decided to start their own design and build company, Allwood Manning Ltd. Having visited a Firth showhome, they felt masonry construction offered an appealing alternative to the timber homes they had both lived in when growing up.

To ensure they knew exactly what building and living in a masonry home was like, they built their own home using this construction method. Then they invited people to visit the home to experience the wonderful feel of the house, the solidness, warmth and ambience created by using Firth masonry Hotblocs.

Using the blocks for internal as well as external walls has provided excellent noise control and insulation in the home. Traffic noise is greatly reduced as is noise from the bathrooms, laundry and kitchen ... not to mention the snoring from the guest room. The result is a tranquil haven amidst Auckland's hustle and bustle.

In designing this spacious home for year-round comfort, this discerning couple took advantage of their knowledge of the latest building products. Many hours were spent designing and creating a very

liveable residence, and the attention to detail and quality shows.

The landscaper was involved in positioning the home and designing outdoor living areas at the planning stage to take full advantage of the way the wedged-shaped site borders a reserve on the northern side. All of the living spaces look over the park-like setting.

While the garage faces the street, visitors are drawn along a landscaped path that is open to the reserve. Double entry doors beneath a portico lead to a generous atrium stairwell which is open to a formal sitting room on the right. The room is made cosy with a gas fire in a Hinuera stone surround and tussock-coloured sisal-look carpet.

The entry foyer is also the control centre for a sophisticated and automated home. The touch of a button controls and schedules the lighting inside and out, room temperatures, heat zones, the spa pool, garden irrigation and the security system.

Softly coloured heated concrete flooring extends from the entry into the high-ceiled formal dining, adjacent kitchen and casual living spaces. The kitchen, beyond a small triangular breakfast bar, was designed by Tracey Main; Fisher & Paykel have used it in advertising to promote Quantum appliances, including the stainless steel fridge/freezer, the double oven and the Dishdrawer.

A combination of stainless steel and beautiful white Kashmir granite benchtops marry with the tones of deep red-brown rewarewa cabinetry. A full-height corner unit shields the kitchen from the entrance. Main incorporated many innovative features such as the pull-out stainless steel pantry beside the oven, the lazy susan rack in the corner cupboard and vertically sliding doors in the above-bench appliance cupboard.

Bifold window above the kitchen bench opens to a jarrah servery on the barbecue/spa pool side of the garden. And the sitting area next to the study opens through bifold doors to an immaculately landscaped, walled garden where a water feature bubbles gently in one corner. Two separate garden areas are divided by a pretty garden shed which echoes the look of the house.

Upstairs, past a deep plum-coloured feature wall, the master bedroom is wrapped in solid block to ensure total privacy and noise control. Overlooking the park, french casement windows are framed in cream voile curtains. A setting of Rose & Heather bedroom furniture complements an aubergine feature wall. A spacious walk-in wardrobe and large en suite with double shower ensures there's no queues in the morning.

Another three bedrooms share the large family bathroom which is also designed by Tracey Main. All bathrooms feature striking vanities with a lovely mix of deep blue lacquer, rewarewa cabinetry and opaque glass.

Having spent much time choosing magnificent furnishings to complement this beautiful home, the owners are now offering them for sale with the house. They've made it incredibly easy for someone else to step into a privileged lifestyle where every feature is designed to pamper.

Vital Statistics

Address: 15 Fairfield Lane, Parklands Estate, Howick

Features: Masonry construction, two levels, four bedrooms, formal and casual living, two-plus bathrooms, wine cellar, home automation and security system, built-in gas barbecue, spa pool, garden shed, internal-access garage.

Size: Land 567 sq m; house 258 sq m.

Price: House and furniture for sale by tender, closing April 19; house price indicator $675,000 plus.

Agents: Christine Day and Robyn Greer , Century 21 Main Realty, Howick. Ph 535 4606 bus; Christine 534 4088 ah, or 025 982 659 mob; Robyn 536 6097 ah, or 025 940 344 mob.