Country: Packed with promise

By VICKI HOLDER

Life can be cruel sometimes. While the owners of a rural property in Albany were putting the finishing touches to their dream home, business uprooted them and they were swept off to start a new life in Australia.

Their plans to build a tennis court and to plant olive trees to create a French provincial-style estate came to a halt, and now it's up to the new owners to take over from where they left off.

The English tenants, who have been looking after the house while their home is being built, believe the task would be far from onerous. In fact, they were so impressed with their temporary abode that they commissioned its designer, Don Nelson & Associates, to build them one just like it!

The solidly constructed, plaster-over-timber home, which the owners dubbed Maison de Campagne, took two years to build. Designed in a modern, French provincial style, the property's interior was the work of Paul Izzard of Leuschke Group.

Set on an elevated, rolling site, it looks north across a swimming pool, duck pond and petanque court to a peaceful, rural view of emerald green paddocks where cattle and sheep graze.

There's hardly a neighbour in sight, yet the property is a mere 15-minute drive north of the Harbour Bridge and a 30-minute drive from central Auckland in off-peak traffic.

Relaxed, durable interiors merge with the exterior through extensive bifold doors, which open to sheltered porches and pergolas along the north side. The sun floods in and hits the highly polished, heated, concrete floors laid throughout the living areas.

They're not truly concrete, though that's the effect they give. Smooth-textured, pale-coloured plaster covers the concrete surface, where jarrah strips are trimmed with copper. The jarrah ties in with an abundance of this rich, red wood, which is used as a feature on the skirtings, doors, windows, breakfast bar and throughout the kitchen.

Centrally located between the family area and entertaining rooms, the kitchen balances an expanse of jarrah with strong, purple-toned cabinetry and touches of frosted glass. It sounds daring, but it's a striking look. Except for the GEC fridge-freezer, the appliances are stainless-steel Miele. An LPG gas cylinder supplies gas for the hob.

Beneath pendant lights that resemble tiny metal spaceships, a glowing sweep of jarrah arcs into the family area, inviting easy meals while chatting to the chef. In addition to the under-floor heating, the family space is warmed by a compact log burner.

In winter, the formal sitting area at the other end also has the benefit of a log fire. While the family area enjoys a low-key decor, the dramatic formal area uses the same surfaces but in a more elegant way.

The fireplace makes a statement with a jarrah mantle supported on strong, plaster pillars. Above, a curved green wall reaches to the ceiling. Double the height of most other rooms, the sitting room features little square windows that march around the upper region and throw additional light. Bifolds open on two sides to bring the beauty of the surrounding farmland inside.

A terracotta-tiled entry foyer steps straight into the dining space. Guests heading through the big, arched, cedar doors catch the view as they enter. Handy to the entrance, a wine cellar opens off the sitting area.

The children have their own spacious living area in a wing off the casual family space. Three bedrooms, each fitted with jarrah workbenches, open off this space and into the garden through french doors. One of the rooms has a semi-en suite, which is shared by the other children.

Well away from the children's bedrooms, the master suite upstairs enjoys the view through picture windows. It includes a separate office, a walk-in dressing room and a sumptuous bathroom. The shower features dual shower nozzles hidden behind a wall of frosted glass, and a stainless-steel basin sits in a thick, glass vanity between jarrah storage towers.

A self-contained apartment with a separate entry is above the triple-car garaging. The bedroom flows into a spacious living area and kitchenette that opens to a balcony.

Packed with the latest conveniences, this large, just-completed, country home overlays sophisticated style on a country property that remains full of promise.

Vital statistics:

ADDRESS: 57 Durey Rd, Albany.

FEATURES: Just-completed home on rolling farmland; four double bedrooms; study; self-contained apartment; 12m pool; three-car garaging; built-in security; floor heating with individual controls; home theatre cabling with ceiling speakers; digital TV dish; vac system.

SIZE: Land area 2.29ha.

AUCTION: On site, midday, 19 May.

AGENT: Ron Clerke and Alison Middleton, Premium Real Estate, Takapuna. Ph 486 1727 bus; Ron 021 829 839 mob; Alison 021 983 533 mob.