Kumeu: Spreading out

A country home has plenty of space for an extended family and their hobbies, writes Lucy Richmond.

1187 Coatesville Riverhead Highway, Kumeu.

This Kumeu property will always hold special memories for Derek and Cass McTaggart.

Last year they got married in the back garden, and it's the home the couple share with Derek's children, eight-year-old Bailey and Kimberley, 10.

"They love the front garden and often sit under the big tree out there," says Derek.

"The tree looks very bare at the moment," adds Cass, "but come summer it has the most beautiful lilac flowers on it and the brightest green leaves I've ever seen. It's a sleeping beauty."

A builder by trade, Derek bought the property eight years ago. "I had been searching at length for the right home and piece of land, and this property had a lovely feel to it," he says.

"It was a dream of mine then to have a place where I could have a lovely large home and a smaller dwelling for either my mum or to use as a rental for some additional income."

Derek also wanted to build himself a large workshop attached to the main house so he could work from home, along with a gym and a recreation room.

Cass says the rural location is ideal for her natural health therapy business. Her classes include one she calls "juice therapy", where clients make vegetable juices in her kitchen.

"It's a real rural, quiet place, she says. "We occasionally hear a rooster strutting his stuff somewhere early in the mornings, but mostly it's the fantails we hear chirping and flying around in our trees."

The couple also enjoy lounging around outside watching the kids on their bikes and wooden go-cart. "The children love splashing around in the spa pool," says Cass.

The main house is 36 years old and has been totally refurbished by Derek. It comprises two living areas, five double bedrooms, two bathrooms, polished wooden floors, a rimu kitchen and large patios and decks.

The smaller, two-bedroom house, which Derek built seven years ago, has its own address and access via Short Road.

"We use it for family when they come to see us. We would never rent it out now, we like our privacy too much," says Derek.

Most of the land is made up of lawn, well-established shrubs and bark gardens - and there's ample room for a swimming pool or tennis court.

The shed comprises a 120sq m workshop with a generous 5.1m stud and a remote-controlled commercial-grade door.

The McTaggarts admit they are going to miss the place, but hope the new owner will get as much enjoyment out of it as they have.

"I want to build a new home for us by the sea," says Derek. "I love this property - there is so much of me here - and although it has been a marathon to achieve, I will miss it all."

Vital Statistics

SIZE: Land 2000sq m, main house 300sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Similar properties in the area have sold for more than $1 million. Auction September 7.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1-2pm.

CONTACT: Shona Jurlina, Bayleys, ph 417 0017 bus, 027 599 7022 mob.

FEATURES: Five-bedroom home with separate two-bedroom guest accommodation set in well-maintained gardens. Other features include a large shed/workshop, gym, recreation room and a spa pool.