South Auckland: A home that looks like a home

Combining architectural features from America, England and France, this four-year-old family home is all about cosy, comfy, family life. By CEDRIC GRAY.

Adrian and Heather Davies' eye-catching home overlooking Brookby Valley in South Auckland looks as though it has occupied the site since the turn of the century. Yet it was built only four years ago.

It is an interesting mix of stately England and rural North America, with a little bit of France thrown in for good measure. Add those architectural features to the all-important desire to create "a home that looks like a home", and the couple agree they have achieved their target with something to spare.

They chose red Midland brick for the exterior because it introduced an old, rustic look to complement the desired warm, cosy, lived-in appeal, says Heather.

She headed the design team. "We studied plans from America, England, France and elsewhere and adapted them to suit the New Zealand climate," she says.

Finding the right property posed a problem. The couple searched far and wide before deciding to build on their 1ha in Brookby Rd. It is tiny by Brookby-Clevedon-Whitford standards, where, almost without exception, the quality livestock blocks graze a horse or two, sheep and cattle. One of the main leisure attractions in the district is the Te Papa Equestrian Centre, which is within walking distance of the property.

Situated well off Brookby Rd at the end of a shared driveway, the home has lovely views to the north-east across the valley. Shelter trees have been planted along with pohutukawa, magnolia and cypress. There is a small orchard and lawns have been sown. There is plenty of scope for widespread landscaping.

The interior is majestic. There is a striking entrance foyer leading to the spacious family room. To the left is a smallish formal lounge - which Heather calls "the night room" - and the polished Australian karai hardwood flooring is a most attractive feature. The flooring extends throughout the ground floor and it is heated for winter warmth.

The family room flows beautifully through bifold doors to a paved outdoor patio, heated lap pool, spa pool and entertainment area. The large adjacent kitchen has granite benchtops and quality appliances, and is perfectly sited for indoor-outdoor entertaining. There is a guest bedroom on the ground floor, a well-appointed bathroom, a laundry and easy access to a double attached garage.

The attractive Australian jarrah staircase leads to a mezzanine floor, off which there are four large bedrooms, including the master bedroom with a balcony, walk-in wardrobe, en suite and a comfortable study.

The property, which carries a CV of $850,000, is being auctioned by Bayleys, Papakura, on March 26. Contact Chris Duder on 298 2525 for details.