A Victorian-style villa that once graced Lichfield Rd, Parnell, now takes centre stage in a lovely rural setting at Waimauku, north-west of Auckland.
The 2.7ha property has been named Lichfields, and the villa – almost twice its original size – enjoys a sun-filled site within walking distance of thetiny township. Waimauku is renowned for its vineyards and stylish restaurants, and Lichfields fits neatly into the picture.
During the spring and early summer a tree-lined roadside paddock is a sea of daffodils before it provides excellent grazing for the rest of the year.
The property is a mix of bush and pasture. Two paddocks on higher grounds to the rear of the property are separated from the house by a patch of bush, which includes nikau, rimu and tree ferns. A small stream on the bush boundary, that's within a stone's throw of the villa, attracts a wealth of birdlife.
Owned by Gloria Toohill, the villa was transported to the site about 16 years ago. A previous owner extended the living area to provide two large family areas, a casual lounge and a formal lounge, which are all served by the central kitchen.
The hallway leads to three bedrooms and the family bathroom, which includes a traditional claw foot bath.
The master bedroom has its own en suite and, like several other rooms, enjoys access to a wide, covered veranda through french doors. Four handsome brick fireplaces provide heating, while the gas-fired system is a convenient back-up.
A comfortable, self-contained sleepout shares the double garage, laundry and carport in an adjoining chalet-style building, and the surrounding lawns and gardens feature a children's playground and a floodlit, sealed tennis court.
The property is for sale by tender through LJ Hooker, Kumeu, with tenders closing on March 24. Contact Kim Frew on 412 8876 for further details.