KEY POINTS:
The resort-like ambience of a luxurious country property where award-winning gardens frame an idyllic pool-side cabana, tennis court and playground charmed the Jacques family into re-assessing their priorities.
Martin Jacques was so taken with the Kiwi coastline when his family moved from England to New Zealand seven years
ago that he couldn't imagine living anywhere but beside a beach. His New Zealand-born wife Tricia had suggested they relocate to Auckland so their children could enjoy this country's lifestyle.
The Jacques initially bought a Belmont cliff-top property on the North Shore. When they decided to move while it was re-developed Martin imagined they'd settle in a similar location.
``Then I saw this place and I was knocked out,'' Martin says.
There is little need for him to explain further, as a glance outside reveals a sweep of Coatesville rural living that would rival most luxury resorts. Beyond the vast heated swimming pool and spa is a lushly-planted hillock of garden, complete with trickling stream that can be turned on and off at the flick of a switch.
The transformation of the grounds from paddocks to gardened tableau won landscaper Peter Halligan industry acclaim recognised by three Landscape Institute Association awards, and earned the property inclusion on the Trinity Garden Tour.
With a floodlit tennis court, children's playground and spa pool constantly beckoning, it's little wonder the Jacques appreciate the forethought that went into ensuring the gardens wouldn't require much maintenance.
``It's a fantastic party place,'' says Martin, as he leads the way through the picturesque cabana, equipped with a sound system easily capable of eclipsing the burbling of the stream. A fireplace and kitchen make this an attractive self-contained retreat year-round and popular spot for his book club to meet.
The Jacques used to own several London restaurants, so it's no surprise that the elegant two-storey home across the courtyard has a vast country kitchen, equipped to cater for functions.
The open-plan informal family and dining room next door flow to the outdoors, where outdoor lighting and a retractable canopy over the large pergola encourage alfresco dining for much of the year.
Stylish separate formal dining and living rooms inside offer yet more options for entertaining guests, who enter the home under an eye-catching gabled portico which leads to a striking two-storey foyer.
Teenagers Tomas and Natalia have their own wing in the house, where four bedrooms and an additional lounge ensure everyone has their own space. At the other end of the home another wing includes a wine cellar and triple car garaging, with a room above which the family use as their gym.
The office at the bottom of the main staircase has an industrious atmosphere, in contrast to the ambience upstairs, where Martin and Tricia enjoy the peaceful sanctuary of a substantial master bedroom suite. It opens onto its own terrace, enjoying expansive views of the grounds.
The property includes five paddocks well-suited to keeping horses and the local pony club is within walking distance.
The Jacques are selling their Coatesville estate as their Belmont property is now ready for them. Martin says while he's looking forward to living near the sea again, he now knows from first-hand experience how much the Kiwi countryside also has to offer.
Vital Statistics
SIZE: Land 4.69ha (approx), house 565sqm.
PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected above $4 million. Sale by negotiation.
INSPECT: By appointment.
ON THE WEB: www.bayleys.co.nz # 451080
SCHOOL ZONES: Coatesville Primary, Albany Junior High.
CONTACT: Jo Lanigan, Bayleys, ph 021 279 5468, 09 414 0957.
FEATURES: Magnificent country property encompassing award-winning, low-maintenance landscaped gardens and five paddocks. Elegant two-storey home with vast country kitchen offers indoor-outdoor flow to heated swimming pool, spa, floodlit tennis court, children's playground and cabana with home theatre, fireplace and second kitchen.