Country: Opposites attract

Diverse styles come together in a striking West Auckland property. CEDRIC GRAY reports.

A Mediterranean-style home might seem strangely out of place in a New Zealand native bush setting, but add early spring sunshine and magnificent views, and the striking contrasts knit together as one.

The scene is a stylish family property in Atarua Gardens, high above the Oratia Valley in West Auckland. Atarua Gardens is a neat cul-de-sac of quality houses, the properties carved from the bush-clad Waitakere Ranges. The views reach across the valley to Auckland City and beyond, to the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.

All of the properties have their privacy ensured. Many fine specimens of totara, kauri, puriri and ti tree have been preserved, and are now protected. The bush cover, which includes nikau palms, native orchids and tree ferns, provides a setting that can only be described as stunning in its beauty.

Number 24 is owned by a business couple, Clint and Lyn Wishart, who plan to move to the North Shore because Lyn's place of work has been relocated. The property will be auctioned on site at 2 pm on October 28.

The house of about 300 sq m was built 25 years ago. It has, however, been beautifully maintained with several features suggesting a design of much more recent vintage.

The kitchen on the first floor, for example, was bought at an Auckland home show. It is neatly positioned in the centre of an expansive indoor entertainment area, which includes a lounge, a cosy family dining area and a games room. The kitchen has attractive granite benchtops, ample enclosed storage, modern appliances and direct access to a sheltered balcony and barbecue area.

The lounge captures the best of the views and, facing northeast, traps full sunlight for most of the day. The floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors to the balcony are tinted to arrest bright sunlight, winter heating being provided by a central wood burner.

The three downstairs bedrooms open to their own small balconies. It is a beautifully appointed environment, featuring a separate spa room and sauna, a central bathroom, laundry and office-gymnasium. The master bedroom has an en suite and walk-in wardrobe.

At the end of a short paved driveway there is double garaging with plenty of storage.

The property is fully secured from the cul-de-sac and surrounding native bush. "It is the ideal children's playground," according to Keith Soole (ph 412 8876), who is marketing the property for LJ Hooker, Kumeu.