Taupaki : Big and beautiful

Heaps of space and a fabulous rural playground await at this splendid Taupaki retreat. By CEDRIC GRAY.

One is reminded of the often-used words of wisdom "don't judge a book by its cover" when visiting 348 Waitakere Rd in Taupaki, west Auckland. From the road, the ranch-style home built in the late 1960s scarcely demands more than a passing interest.

Step inside, however, and the picture changes. It is a warm family home, roomy enough to suggest the bigger the family the better.

The large kitchen flows to a sunken, extra-large family dining area. Add the spacious family lounge (about 54sq m) and one could comfortably entertain a rugby team at a single sitting. There is room for an army of supporters, too, if you include the veranda - Australian outback style - which wraps around three sides of the house to trap most of the sun.

The kitchen lends itself to family living. It has modern appliances, an island sink bench and servery, ample storage and attractive rimu fittings. For winter warmth it has underfloor heating.

The lounge and dining area have high exposed timber ceilings, while floor-to-ceiling windows provide maximum natural light. Guests can prop themselves up against a corner bar in the lounge and enjoy the pleasant rural views to the north-west.

For comparative peace and quiet, a smaller family room off the hallway has a feature fireplace complete with wetback.

The home has four bedrooms, the master bedroom enjoying an en suite and the family bedrooms at the end of the hallway sharing a central bathroom, with a spa bath, and a separate toilet.

A self-contained, one-bedroom flat with a cosy lounge and kitchen has internal access to the house and its own entrance. There is a substantial barn and workshop with a mezzanine office at the rear of the house, and ample sealed parking. The house and workshop have security systems.

The 4ha property is owned by Chris and Claire Abel, who intend moving to the Woodhill district north of Kumeu. The land near the roadside is flat before rising gently towards the rear of the property, and the pasture is ideal for cattle and horse grazing. A small stream meanders through the property near the northern boundary. There are twin loading ramps and cattle yards.

The property is beautifully located within a few minutes' drive of Westgate shopping centre, Taupaki village and a primary school. The Taupaki Pony Club's grounds are also nearby.

The property goes up for auction on October 16. For further details, contact Ron Fowler, Norwest Real Estate, Kumeu, on 412 8876 or 0274 733 385.