Design is just the ticket

2 Manor Park, Sunnyhills, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst

Jackie Buckley says the inspiration for the dream home she and husband Wayne had built for them 25 years ago came from a home they saw on a raffle ticket.

"It was a raffle for a house and we liked the look of it so much, we adopted it for ourselves," says Jackie.

"At the time there were only a couple of other properties on this street so we've seen lots of changes."

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With four children, space was a vital pre-requisite and with a total floor area of 565sq m the family was able to spread out.

"The downstairs bedroom wing was built with the kids in mind," says Jackie.

"It has four bedrooms, a bathroom and an office but you could use that as a fifth bedroom if you wanted to."

At the centre of the ground floor is the kitchen which was replaced just two years ago so everything is in shiny, pristine order. It has a handy butler's pantry and there's a casual dining area and spacious family room.

Also on this floor is an elegant formal dining room and the formal lounge, which is also a library.

2 Manor Park, Sunnyhills, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst

"Wayne and I are both keen readers so we like to be surrounded by books," says Jackie.

This part of the house has a country manor flavour in its furnishings, which is appropriate, given the name of the street.

Upstairs is Jackie and Wayne's private oasis.

"We needed somewhere to relax, away from the kids," she says.

There's a dressing room, where Jackie, who is a keen amateur artist likes to set up her easel, and a gigantic walk-in wardrobe — plus a recently rejuvenated bathroom, which is another favourite spot for Jackie, who enjoys a nice hot bath. A little balcony outside the bedroom has beautiful views.

Just a few steps down from the master suite is the home cinema. It used to be the children's rumpus room but is much more impressive in its new incarnation.

When Jackie and Wayne have friends around to watch movies there's no need to go traipsing downstairs to top up drinks, because the cinema has its own kitchenette with a fridge. When movie watching is over there's always time for a game of pool in the games room downstairs.

2 Manor Park, Sunnyhills, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst

When summer comes, the Buckleys like to spend time outdoors with their five grandchildren and the fully-fenced section is safe and secure.

The street is full of houses now and many have young families, so Jackie and Wayne aren't as involved in the neighbourhood as they used to be, but they say it's still a close, supportive community.

The gates to Saint Kentigern College are just moments away by foot but the Buckley's children didn't go there.

"We played rugby with them every winter though, and my boys practiced on their fields, which was great," says Jackie.

Like so many people in their age-group, Jackie and Wayne are downsizing now and they have a new property nearby.

"We like to imagine a new family living here, while we enjoy our new lock-up and leave lifestyle."

2 MANOR PARK, SUNNYHILLS
• 6 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, 3 parking spaces.
• Land 1000sq m, house 365sq m.
• Price: CV $2,425,000.
• Inspect: Sat/Sun 3-3.30pm.
• Auction: Tue 21 Aug, noon, at 60 Highbrook Dr (unless sold prior).
• Schools: Sunnyhills School, Farm Cove Intermediate, Pakuranga College.
• Contact: Sam Leong 022 046 0868 or Victoria Koszegi 021 029 67430, barfoot.co.nz/758992