Kohimarama - Quiet achiever

A secluded and sunny home met all the requirements on a family's checklist.

40c Rawhitiroa Rd, Kohimarama.

Three years ago, Brett and Amanda Cooper were living in Mission Bay, in a house with a few issues.

First, there simply wasn't enough room for Brett's two children, then aged 9 and 10. Then their beloved cat Harley was hit by a car on their busy street.

Fortunately he survived, but the trauma propelled the family to find a home in a quieter location.

They had other requirements as well.
``We were looking for a north-facing home that was close to the beach, had `zones' for the children and a swimming pool,'' says Brett.

They found it all in this private, multi-level home in Rawhitiroa Road. Down a very long drive (with stunning views of Rangitoto on the way), it's like a sunny, private retreat, tucked far away from any passing vehicles.

Through the front door, a formal dining area is on your right, with an open-plan kitchen, family dining/living area ahead. Off this is a formal lounge, with a gas fireplace.

Downstairs are two double bedrooms, a large bathroom and a laundry.
Upstairs from the living floor are the master suite and another bedroom.

Between these two floors, half-way up the stairs, is a sunny office that overlooks the swimming pool and also has its own deck, one of three outdoor living areas.

The main outdoor living area flows off the kitchen/family area and formal lounge. A paved outdoor dining area is shaded by a pergola, with room for the barbecue.

There's a good-sized lawn for the kids, and cats, to enjoy on this level and a low-maintenance garden. Down a few steps and through the gate and you're in the swimming pool courtyard.

The house has been beautifully decorated throughout. Brett explains that they settled on the house just 12 days before their wedding, but wanted everything redecorated so they could entertain family and friends in their new home the day after the nuptials.

So on settlement day, they had 12 contractors waiting in the drive, ready to begin. They re-floored throughout, with new carpet and tiles (and underfloor heating in all the tiled areas), and recoloured the kitchen to a rich taupe colour. Later, they also revamped the en suite bathroom.

Brett and Amanda are now living on Waiheke Island, but they've been holding on to their warm, spacious house for a year, just in case they decided they wanted to be back on the mainland.

Having settled into the island lifestyle, it's time to let the house go to someone else who'll enjoy all it has to offer, and who wants a touch of luxury, tucked far away from the traffic.

VITAL STATISTICS

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 2

GARAGES: 2

SIZE: Land 981sq m, house 315sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: CV $1.14 million. Auction October 15.

INSPECT: Sun/Weds 12.45-1.30pm.

ON THE WEB: www.kellands.co.nz, ref KPN10664.

CONTACT: Martin Dobson, Kellands, ph 021 376 952, 302 2209 bus.

FEATURES: Modern home with a recently redecorated interior, modern kitchen with integrated appliances, separate formal dining, lounge, office, underfloor heating, swimming pool.