Coatesville/Riverhead: La Vista

CEDRIC GRAY visits a stunning lifestyle subdivision offering a quality home with exceptional views.

Just over two years ago, Don and June Lamont stood on a new rural subdivision in James Paige Lane, between Riverhead and Coatesville, and an hour before the auction decided that the 1.7ha property would be theirs. They were captivated by the stunning views across the upper reaches of the Waitemata Harbour towards Auckland city.

They appropriately named the property La Vista - "the view" - combined their designing and engineering skills to build a stylish three-bedroom home, landscape the property and settle down to enjoy their retirement.

But it hasn't worked out that way.

"We soon found that we aren't ready to sit back and play an occasional round of golf," said June. "We are looking for another challenge."

Her husband, a civil engineer, was on the job every day with the West Auckland builders, M @ M Construction, an arrangement which delighted Murray Goad, a company director. "It's the dream to build a quality home like this," said Mr Goad, whose company has since completed the fashionable Soljan's winery and restaurant on State Highway 16, near Kumeu.

The property occupies a commanding elevated site, with views extending to the Waitakere Ranges, across the city to a "peep" of Rangitoto Island. The foreground is dominated by a deep water anchorage above the Greenhithe Bridge and an arm of the harbour leading to Riverhead.

Built of Midland brick, the 328sq m house faces east to capture the best of the views from the main living areas and maximum early morning sunshine. The floor-to-ceiling windows are laminated tinted for heat retention during winter and to reduce the summer glare. Large stacker doors open to a glass-covered patio - a delightful feature to enhance the comfortable indoor-outdoor flow.

Argentinian floor tiles extend from the attractive entrance foyer to the living area and to the stylish central kitchen with its granite benchtops, island bench and a full array of appliances. Underfloor heating provides winter warmth.

A large formal lounge features a Jayline woodburner, opens to the outdoors and is beautifully positioned near the entrance foyer. An office near the entrance, and a hobby room (with vanity) at one end of the hallway could easily be converted into extra bedrooms. The master bedroom has a spacious walk-in wardrobe and a sparkling en suite, including an unusually large tiled shower area.

Two-car garaging at the end of a circular driveway has internal access to the laundry and a separate toilet.

The property has been beautifully landscaped and planted with a variety of shrubs and specimen trees. A substantial American-style barn, an orchard and a small paddock suited to light grazing are other attractive features.

The property will be auctioned by Bayleys on June 25. Contact Shona Jurlina on 416 7788 for details.