St Heliers: Age defying design

A decade-old showhome still looks as good as new, writes Wendy Colville.

20 Heritage Rise, St Heliers.

When the Lai family signed up for a brand new showhome 10 years ago they bought all the furniture as well. They haven't changed a thing since - and it still looks as new as the day they walked in.

The claybrick and plaster-clad home was built in 1995 by Fyfe builders as the showhome in a St Heliers subdivision. That year it won an interior design and bathroom award in the Master Builder House of the Year awards.

Cheong Lai and his wife Nu emigrated from Hong Kong looking for a better education for their two daughters, and to enjoy the space and outdoor living that New Zealand could offer. They had planned on building themselves, but when they saw the four-bedroom house, they were sold. The spaciousness of the home was one of the first things that appealed to the couple. In Hong Kong, they say, this house would cost upwards of $10 million, so they were delighted with the indoor-outdoor flow and the open plan living.

The house is tucked into a quiet cul-de-sac and although the whole development is only 10 years old, it has an established feel with well-developed trees and gardens.

Number 20 makes a statement from the moment you walk in the door, with its formal lounge that boasts a soaring 6m atrium. The lounge is overlooked by a mezzanine gallery which leads to the master bedroom. An open plan kitchen with wrap-around Corian benches opens out into the north-facing family room. The floors are tiled and have under-floor heating. This room has bi-fold doors on two walls opening into a private and easy-care courtyard.

A large office opens off the family room and would be perfect for someone working from home, while a small conservatory runs along the south wall, also leading to another courtyard.

A sweeping staircase with full-height windows on the landing leads to the second storey. On this level there are four bedrooms, the master with a generous en suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, while a second bathroom serves the other three bedrooms.

The house and garden have been immaculately maintained over the years - cream carpets throughout the house look as fresh as the day they were laid.

On the exterior, copper gutters and cedar fascias on the eaves and claybricks lend a solid character to the home.

One of the couple's daughters has just finished her degree and the other is at university, so the Lais will now return to Hong Kong, but will be back and forth regularly to visit.

The showhome is once more on the market.

Vital Statistics

SIZE: Land 730sq m, house 350sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected above $1.3 million. Tender closes August 17.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun/Wed 1.30-2.15pm.

CONTACT: Caroline Yau, Ray White, ph 021 618 211 mob, 623 3000. Nora Chu ph 021 996 678.

FEATURES: 10 year old award-winning showhome of claybrick and plaster clad construction with generous living areas, 4 bedrooms, large office and indoor outdoor flow to courtyards.