KEY POINTS:
A couple's Italian-inspired home has modern luxuries, and hidden benefits.
33 Regis Lane, Whitford.
When Gill and Jason Swain happened to mention to their architect that they'd particularly liked the tower in a building they'd stayed in on a Greek island, the last thing they expected was for one to turn up in their house plans.
But it did and they loved it, and the tower is now a much-talked about feature of their Whitford home.
"It's one of my favourite parts of the house, and everyone comments on it," says Gill.
The couple's brief to renowned architect Frans Kamermans was to create a home that could pass for an Italian winery, and the tower fitted in with the Mediterranean feel.
"We wanted it to have the feel of a winery or a luxury lodge but be hardy enough to cope with kids and dogs," explains Gillian. "And it was really important that the house didn't jar with the surroundings."
When Frans went to look at the land the Swains had bought on a ridge looking across rolling countryside to Auckland International Airport and the city in the distance, he too was adamant the house had to be just right for the site.
Gill and Jason were thrilled with Frans' plans, and equally delighted with the way they were brought to life by Eden Homes. The house has many special features, including some that can't be seen, like the steel beams used throughout the framing.
Because the site is quite exposed Jason and Gill wanted hurricane ties for the roof, and the house sits on a floating concrete base which minimises cracking should the walls move. There is extra soundproofing in the ceilings to limit noise from passing planes.
Most of the rooms been wired for TV, Sky and phone/internet access and there's wiring for speakers in many locations, including the family room, formal lounge and master bedroom, so music can be played throughout the house.
There are even speakers concealed in fake rocks by the swimming pool so Jason and Gill could listen to music while they swim.
"We did try to think of everything," says Gill.
Other thoughtful touches include a purpose-built wine cellar under the stairs, a huge storage cupboard under the tower and a well-hidden safe.
"Once the house is sold we'll reveal the location of the safe to the new owners," says Gill.
The family room next to the kitchen can be turned into a home theatre thanks to an electric screen that glides down from the ceiling and wiring for a projector.
Blackout curtains create the perfect environment for watching movies.
The double-height formal lounge with its extensive shelving also doubles as a library.
The dining room opens up to a covered area of the patio by the heated swimming pool, which is safely behind a glass wall.
The downstairs rooms have cavity sliding doors, meaning they can be closed off to keep them warm - "although that's not a problem because the underfloor heating keeps everything warm."
Upstairs are the four bedrooms, including the master with an en suite and walk-through wardrobe, and a bathroom with a spa bath.
A bridge leads from the landing across the foyer below to stairs up to the tower, which is used as an office and has 360 degree views that take in the Manukau Heads and Rangitoto.
The Swains intended to live in Regis Lane for at least 10 years but after just three years moved to London when they were offered IT jobs too good to refuse.
They've decided that when they do return to New Zealand in about five years time, they'll live in the South Island, close to family.
"Unfortunately we can't pick up the house and move it but what we will do is build something very similar again," says Gill. "It's got everything we want in a home."
VITAL STATISTICS
BEDROOMS: 4
BATHROOMS: 2
GARAGES: 2
SIZE: Land 4019sq m, house 267sq m (approx).
PRICE INDICATION: CV $950,000. Properties in the area have been selling in the low $1 millions. Tender closes May 24.
INSPECT: Sat/Sun 2-3pm.
ON THE WEB: www.barfoot.co.nz # 325145
SCHOOL ZONES: Baverstock Oaks School, Clover Park Middle School, Tangaroa College.CONTACT: Craig Robertson or Kathryn Morris, Barfoot & Thompson, ph 530 8292 bus, 027 530 8800 (Craig) or 027 486 3488 (Kathryn).
FEATURES: Four-year-old contemporary home with double internal access garage. Designer kitchen with all appliances including Ilve 900mm gas oven and double fridge/freezer. Underfloor heating in most of the tiled areas and woodburning fire. Painted cedar shutters inside, and Cyprus pine exterior shutters treated to look aged.
