Country: A change of scene

By CEDRIC GRAY

A Victorian-style villa that once graced Lichfield Rd, Parnell, now takes centre stage in a lovely rural setting at Waimauku, north-west of Auckland.

The 2.7ha property has been named Lichfields, and the villa – almost twice its original size – enjoys a sun-filled site within walking distance of the tiny township. Waimauku is renowned for its vineyards and stylish restaurants, and Lichfields fits neatly into the picture.

During the spring and early summer a tree-lined roadside paddock is a sea of daffodils before it provides excellent grazing for the rest of the year.

The property is a mix of bush and pasture. Two paddocks on higher grounds to the rear of the property are separated from the house by a patch of bush, which includes nikau, rimu and tree ferns. A small stream on the bush boundary, that's within a stone's throw of the villa, attracts a wealth of birdlife.

Owned by Gloria Toohill, the villa was transported to the site about 16 years ago. A previous owner extended the living area to provide two large family areas, a casual lounge and a formal lounge, which are all served by the central kitchen.

The hallway leads to three bedrooms and the family bathroom, which includes a traditional claw foot bath.

The master bedroom has its own en suite and, like several other rooms, enjoys access to a wide, covered veranda through french doors. Four handsome brick fireplaces provide heating, while the gas-fired system is a convenient back-up.

A comfortable, self-contained sleepout shares the double garage, laundry and carport in an adjoining chalet-style building, and the surrounding lawns and gardens feature a children's playground and a floodlit, sealed tennis court.

The property is for sale by tender through LJ Hooker, Kumeu, with tenders closing on March 24. Contact Kim Frew on 412 8876 for further details.