Warkworth: Resort-style living

AFTER 27 years of cultivating fruit in Omaha, Bruce Whistler opted to pack in the business, subdivide his property and swap the hard work for a life of leisure on a picturesque lifestyle property.

Taking it easy was all new to Bruce and his wife Raewyn. But the expansive, subtropical living environment they have created is conducive to relaxing with the added attraction of just enough land to graze stock, raise horses or pursue a horticultural interest.

Large grounds around the house are tamed with masses of subtropical palms and natives around a vast, tranquil lake surrounded by emerald lawns. Brought to life at night, many feature plants and trees are lit from underneath to show off their form, coaxing an intoxicating mood around the house as visitors enter through the stone pillars at the gate.

Even though it took a lot of work to establish, it's designed to be easy-care for the rest of its life. There are big areas of sandstone paths and terracing and many of the plants are contained within swirling koru-shaped beds of riverstones. Weeds are kept at bay beneath a mulch made of wood shavings.

"So there's just the lawns to mow," assures Bruce, "and zapping the odd weed that pokes through. It's not a big job. I mow the lawn with a ride-on in about three quarters of an hour."

The peaceful, resort-like setting can be enjoyed from massive timber decks that stretch along and wrap around the living areas of the house. This is where Bruce and Raewyn frequently entertain in summer. The outdoor living makes light work of hosting big crowds for they can move in and out of the house with ease.

When it came to the design of the house, Bruce and Raewyn gave their architect, Grant Neill, a blank canvas. "We basically described the number of rooms and left it up to his creative talent. We loved what he came up with. It's a neat house to live in because of the spaciousness and the way it all opens up to the sun from the living areas. All the front of the house is living space, facing north."

The house has a gently curving roof that drapes over the whole cedar structure and extends a little further with soffits across the terraces. Timber is used extensively to help it blend harmoniously with the natural features of the site. The different patinas add richness and warmth to the spacious interiors.

Much of the timber came from the property itself, such as the eucalypt floors in the kitchen and family areas and the swamp kauri ceilings in the master bedroom and the office. Rimu is used in solid tongue-and groove ceilings in the living room and as skirtings and window surrounds.

Clad in rimu, the kitchen is large with a central island looking over to the family room. Laminated rimu benchtops combine with a linen-finish stainless-steel bench, stainless kickboards and stainless appliances, including a double Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer. It has an awful lot of storage with a double pantry and a large rimu chopping block that rolls out as a free-standing item of furniture.

In the family area, all the entertainment systems are housed behind rimu cupboards. A log burner in this area has a wetback which feeds the hot water cylinder. There are also solar panels to help the hot water system and make the home more energy efficient.

Timber gives way to green carpets for a calm, sophisticated ambience in the lounge, which opens through several doors to the deck.

There are four bedrooms plus a study. The master bedrooms features a walk-through dressing room fitted with many drawers and shelves. The en suite is pure luxury with a glass shower and a window above the spa bath that lets the Whistlers enjoy a soak while lapping up the beauty of the garden.

Totally private behind well-established shelter belts, this magical property celebrates nature's bounty. It's five minutes from Omaha Beach and close to the vineyards of Matakana.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: Omaha Flats Rd, Warkworth.

FEATURES: Lifestyle estate with three paddocks; subtropical and native gardens with lake and jetty; substantial cedar home designed by architect Grant Neill with extensive use of timber inside; spacious living areas with family area and lounge opening to extensive decking; four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a study; stone pillars and automatic gates at entry; garden lighting; central vacuum system; alarm system with mains smoke alarms.

SIZE: Land area approx 4.5ha.

AUCTION: 2pm, February 11, at Bayleys Maritime Square auction rooms.

AGENTS: Ash Allis and Ken Gill, Bayleys, Orewa. Ph 09 425 7640 bus; Ash 021 416 588 mob; Ken 021 970 357 mob.