Coatesville

Twenty years ago, Polish-born Max Suder was marking time in an Austrian refugee camp awaiting his application to emigrate to New Zealand. He had been in the camp for three and a half years.

Today, he has a 2.5ha property in Coatesville, north of Auckland, on the market. The jewel in the crown is a beautifully appointed 533sq m home full of all the bells and whistles that spell luxury. The house was completed in January.

It was built for his daughter, an Otago Medical School graduate, who has continued her career in Australia. She will shortly take up an appointment in England.

Max, a tiler, and his wife, Maria, arrived in New Zealand in November 1984. He has gained an enviable reputation in Auckland's building circles for the quality of his work on several major commercial contracts.

The property - at 94 Wake Rd, between Riverhead and Coatesville - reflects the Suder demand for excellence. The land, facing north and gently sloping, is well-drained and fertile. It has yet to be divided into grazing land for a pony or two, but the building site has been landscaped with phoenix palms, other semi-tropical species, a garden fountain, gazebo and spa pool - "a touch of Tahiti," says Max with a smile.

Feature lights line the long concrete driveway from a security entrance to a forecourt with parking for about 10 cars. Security monitors are located in the kitchen and master bedroom.

The house has several striking features. First, there's the impressive entrance foyer with its 7m stud height, Italian porcelain tiles, chandelier lighting and cathedral windows.

Second, there's the feature staircase in the centre of the foyer (with recessed safety lights on each step) leading to an expansive upstairs area, where there are four bedrooms, an office and a large lounge. Each bedroom enjoys an en suite with marble vanities, and two have separate double glass showers and spa baths. The upstairs rooms open to a sunny terracotta-tiled balcony stretching 54sq m.

The foyer opens to two guest bedrooms sharing a central bathroom on the right, and flows beautifully to a formal dining room, casual dining area, kitchen and a large formal lounge. The kitchen is an entertainer's delight. It features granite benchtops, lacquered cabinetry and a full range of stainless-steel appliances. The lounge has bifold doors opening to an outdoor courtyard.

The four-car garage has heavy-duty Italian terracotta tiles, and the underfloor heating throughout the house is supplemented by a Masport fireplace, with a granite mantle, in the formal lounge.

The tender for the property closes with Bayleys, North West, on May 13. For further details contact Shona Jurlina on 416 7788 or 021 997 022.