South Auckland: An eye for detail

Teamwork at its best in the house building industry created an elegant English-style home in Runciman Rd, South Auckland, just over a year ago.

First, the owners, Bryan and Janice Bain, tracked down the architect of a Hamilton home they much admired. The architect visited the 2.5ha Runciman site where he made the desired modifications to ensure maximum sun and natural light in almost every room, before a team of builders with a reputation for a meticulous eye for detail was engaged.

"Everything worked out beautifully," says Bryan. "We had our eyes on an English cottage design, though, of course, much larger. We couldn't have been happier."

The design suits the location. It is in a small country lane shared by a handful of quality properties of similar size. Some run a few sheep for pasture management. In the main, however, the landscaping is elaborate, with privacy ensured by mature shelter trees and an attractive stand of protected native bush.

The property is about 4km from the southern motorway and directly opposite Pukekohe East Primary School.

The four-bedroom home, of about 400sq m on two levels, has many stylish features. The exterior is brick and cedar shingles, the shingles having been double-dipped in stain for maximum life, with the roof in concrete tiles. The windows are finished in Smartwood joinery (timber on the inside and aluminium on the outside).

A spacious entrance foyer reflects the gracious tone of the interior. It is immediately warm and inviting, with a cosy gallery to one side and opening to the wide staircase leading to the first floor. The kitchen, dining area and formal lounge are superb, the kitchen being of special interest. It features solid black bean timber and formica benches and an English Leisuremaster country-style stove (electric oven and gas hobs). There is a separate solid timber bench and chopping block.

Three rooms, including the stylish master bedroom on the ground level, enjoy easy access to a sunny patio covered by a pergola. An upstairs bedroom enjoys an outdoor balcony and there are three bathrooms. Double garaging with an internal access is attached to the house.

The sweeping lawns and gardens add to the grandeur. They include a native tree - reputed to be 120 years old - raised vegetable beds and a variety of shrubs. An easement registered on the title allows access to spring water for garden irrigation.

Brick entrance pillars lead to the sealed driveway and well-lit turning circle.

The property is for sale with Barfoot & Thompson, Papakura, where Heather Fewtrell has details, ph 239 1008 or 0274 954 775.