Epsom: Summer loving      

Who needs holidays when you can live in a resort - I mean home - like this? By CHARLOTTE COSSAR. 

In a quiet suburban street, albeit it one of Auckland's best-kept secrets, this resort-style home secluded from the rest of the world is a tonic for the soul. 

When owners Iain and Kath Watson were looking to buy a home, they certainly didn't think they would end up building. But after extensive house hunting for something that would suit their specific needs - open-style living with the majority of it on one level - it soon became obvious that the right place just wasn't out there. 

After buying this section in Wheturangi Rd, Iain and Kath invited architect Marshall Cook around to see what he envisioned for the private plot backing on to Cornwall Park. 

Iain says that Cook knew instantly what the section needed. "On his pad he drew a pavilion-style home with vast amounts of glazing," he says. 

Sold on the idea immediately, the couple wasted no time in turning this original drawing into reality. 

Iain, who has mobility requirements, has specific needs, although they're not really removed from most people's asks: a home where living is all on one level with open and generous spaces leading to great outdoor living. 

Central to the design of the home, the multi-purpose swimming pool was the first thing to be built. Visible from nearly every angle in the house, a great size and shape, and with a resort-style pontoon, it is within easy reach just outside the living areas and bedroom. Its intoxicating calmness transports you to a world away and it serves all needs - children can play in the shallow end and Iain can exercise on a daily basis. 

This, combined with trademark designer details by Cook, culminates in an exciting visual journey from the first minute you sight the home. 

From the driveway, vast panels of glass with rectangular wood detailing lay the home open for inspection, and on a closer look you won't be disappointed. The house, like many of Cook's designs, is timeless. Exceptional joinery, sculpted rooflines, the ease of transition to the outdoors and the flexibility of the house are obvious. 

Says Iain: "It's a cosy home to live in with an easy, open, indoor-outdoor flow." 

Three pavilions linked by a central corridor, the living area has a domed ceiling framed with curved joinery to heighten the space. A superb use of symmetry, the area is light-filled and open. At one end, an unobtrusive a kitchen, designed by a chef, is central to the living area's functionality. A magnet during social functions, the discreet area, complete with stainless-steel benchtops and well-placed storage, creates visual interest and cements the open-plan cohesion of the lower level. 

"It has been designed so that when you are in there, you are only a step from everything," he says. 

Seamlessly flowing to each zone, the corridor leads to the master bedroom and open office space. Encased with more glazing, along the wide hallway, the use of lighting is certainly not needed until well after dusk. Iain says that Cook's design incorporated more glazing, but because they needed some wall space to display their art, more was added. 

Cantilevered over the pool, the en suite floats, while large sliding doors off the bedroom peel back to allow instant access to the pool. 

Upstairs, two bedrooms and a bathroom present a different dimension. The space, which was originally one room but always designed to be two bedrooms - works exceptionally well as guest accommodation. 

Outside, tropical landscaping further enhances luxury living, with the garden being cleverly divided into different rooms with the use of plaster planter boxes. A journey of discovery, a hidden path leads to a gate opening to the park. 

Just as a relaxed latte provides a balm for weary Aucklanders, this home provides a balm for the collective souls who visit. 

Vital Statistics


ADDRESS: 132A Wheturangi Rd, Epsom. 

FEATURES: Marshall Cook-designed home backing on to Cornwall Park with views to One Tree Hill; living mainly on one level opening to exceptionally landscaped terraces and courtyards; three bedrooms (master with walk-in wardrobe and en suite); study or second living area; separate bathroom and powder room; underfloor heating throughout the expansive tiled areas; solar-heated pool with pontoon; internal-access double garage; extra off-street parking; direct access to the park. 

SIZE: Land area half share of 1389sq m; floor area 235sq m. 

AUCTION: On site at 3pm, December 11. 

AGENTS: Stephanie Kelland and Fiona Mackenzie, Kellands Real Estate. Ph Stephanie 021 544 734; Fiona 021 968 880.