SCHOOL ZONES:
Shelly Park School, Somerville Intermediate, Howick College, Botany Downs Secondary College.
CONTACT:
Karl Vermeulen, Harcourts, 027 204 4249 or 538 1032.
Anne Brebner couldn't believe her luck when she and her husband, Campbell, found this home seven years ago. The couple were looking for a large house that could accommodate their blended family of seven children, and doubted they would be able to find somewhere with a bedroom for each ofthe kids, along with several living spaces so they wouldn't be tripping over each other all the time.
But the house they discovered between Howick and Whitford had all that and more. A swimming pool, a tennis court, huge grounds, loads of space to park cars ... it was perfect for all their needs.
Plus it had a self-contained guest house where extended family members could stay, and another building that is rented out to a charity as its office, earning the Brebners extra income.
"We couldn't have asked for a better place," says Anne. "This house had everything we wanted and it has worked so well for our family."
It is certainly a unique property. Driving up the long, winding driveway, it feels like you have arrived at a grand country estate. Despite the house being twice the size of the average home, with rooms of generous proportions, it is not in the least bit intimidating or pretentious. Instead it is a comfortable and practical family home that is welcoming yet still stylish.
The original part of the house was built in the 1960s. There is a huge formal living room with space to tuck a grand piano in one corner, a high-pitched ceiling with barn-style rafters, a French provincial-style fireplace and bifold doors opening out to
a patio. The enormous master bedroom next door also has doors out to the patio, which has a wisteria-covered pergola. "This is a lovely place to sit out and look out over the garden and pool," says Anne.
At the other end of the house -- an extension added on by previous owners -- is the informal open plan kitchen, dining and living area. The living space here also has a soaring ceiling -- this one is tongue and groove -- and French doors out to a deck.
Image 1 of 6: Family comes first in this lovely semi-rural property, which also boasts a self-contained guest house and separate building for extra income.
Two wings of bedrooms accommodate Anne and Campbell's children. One is off the informal lounge and comprises three bedrooms and a bathroom. Stairs lead down to a games room where the boys enjoy their PlayStation without disturbing the rest of the household. A storage room next door has been the ideal place to keep sports gear and other paraphernalia, and also houses a wine cellar.
The other bedroom wing is between the formal and informal living areas and as well as three more bedrooms, a study area and a bathroom, there is an upstairs room that has served as another bedroom, but could also be an office or a sitting room.
And if that isn't enough living space, there's a nook downstairs next to the formal lounge that is the perfect spot for the Brebners to show off their antique collection.
There is garaging for one car, but carports for two more and off-street parking for 12 vehicles.
The saltwater pool and tennis court have been well used over the years and Anne says one of the best things they did was put in a pizza oven in a paved area by the pool.
"We used it all the time last summer," she says.
Although the property has a rural feel to it, it's just a few minutes' drive to Botany Town Centre and Howick Village, and all the amenities they offer. Beaches including Maraetai and Beachlands are also easily accessible. "We weren't originally looking to live out this way but it's so much closer to everywhere than you think, yet it is so peaceful and private," says Anne.
But with the children basically grown up and heading off to do their own thing, Campbell and Anne are rattling around in the house. "It's time to relinquish it to another family who will enjoy living here," says Anne.
