Tuapaki: Park-like paradise

Shifted from its original site in Parnell nine years ago, this eye-catching villa offers fabulous family living in the fresh air of Taupaki. By CEDRIC GRAY.

The owners of a gracious kauri villa in Brighton Rd, Parnell, would undoubtedly have enjoyed their Christmas in 1889. They took possession of their new house the day before. Now, more than 100 years later, the villa is a real eye-catcher on a beautiful 5.017ha property in west Auckland.

The villa was moved to Sunnyvale Rd, Taupaki, about nine years ago, and if this is to be its final resting place then this is an ideal location. It is surrounded by park-like lawns and gardens at the end of a quiet country lane - yet it's only a handful of minutes from the north-west motorway, and a little further from the business centre of Henderson.

The rolling pasture in three well-fenced and sheltered paddocks provide year-round grazing for about 60 ewes and lambs. It would equally be suited to young cattle and horses. A small dam provides ample stock water.

The beauty of the grazing land is enhanced by a neighbouring native bush reserve, which not only sheleters the property from cold southerly winds, but also attracts a wealth of native bird life.

Scarcely a detail has been overlooked in the restoration of the villa. Immaculately presented, it has three large bedrooms, an elegant hallway and beautifully restored ceilings in a choice of living areas - cosy family dining to the rear of the house and a formal lounge in the centre, complete with original feature fireplace and elegant surrounds.

The hub of the house is the north-facing kitchen, recently modernised yet complementing the Victorian-style interior in every way. Polished matai timber flooring flows through a family dinette to the adjacent family room, and there is french door access to a sunny courtyard, which is ideal for outdoor entertaining.

The kitchen also enjoys internal access to double garaging.

The master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and a delightful en suite. A central bathroom is sited off the hallway and within easy reach of the two family bedrooms. A veranda extends along two sides of the villa, adding greatly to the elegance of the exterior. Two large tanks provide ample water for household use.

The expansive lawns on both sides of the driveway have been planted with more than 100 trees and shrubs, a delightful feature of the landscape being a summer pergola in the same design as the villa. There is a three-bay implement shed to the rear of the gardens.

The property is being marketed by Barfoot & Thompson, West Harbour, at an asking price of $795,000. Contact Jenny Thorpe on 416 5599 or 0274 966 424 for details.