Country: Spacious living with glorious rural views

By CEDRIC GRAY

A South Auckland Master Builder has hung up his tools for the last time, leaving a legacy of quality homes in the Pukekohe-Tuakau area.

Mick Forde and his wife, May, are heading for sunnier climes in Australia and selling their beloved 5.254ha property in Barnaby Rd, Tuakau.

Mick knew precisely what he wanted when he built the house three years ago.

The two-storey property - 10km from Pukekohe and the southern motorway - offers generous rooms and rural views. Located at the end of a tree-lined driveway, it is surrounded by lush pasture where sheep and cattle graze.

A tiled formal entry leads to the family living area and an office or fifth bedroom. The three-metre high ceiling in the formal lounge and the living area's direct access to an outdoor terrace make the home ideal for entertaining. Adjacent to the family room, the stylish kitchen boasts large granite benches, a generous pantry, a lead-light corner display cabinet and under-floor heating.

The downstairs level features three double bedrooms, a tiled bathroom - also with under-floor heating - a separate shower room and toilet, a laundry/utility room and a spacious garage complete with toilet and hand basin. The first floor is devoted to the master suite. A well-appointed sitting room with a high, sarked, macrocarpa ceiling leads to the master bedroom that includes a walk-in wardrobe, an en suite with spa bath and a small balcony offering glorious rural views.

Sheep and cows graze in several fenced paddocks. The stock has access to the small Whakapipi stream that meanders through the property, and shelter is provided by patches of mature native bush.

The property is for sale through Barfoot & Thompson, Papakura, at an asking price of $549,000.

Phone Yvonne Box on 238 7091 for details.