Waiatarua: Paradise found

If living in a rainforest is up your alley, this fabulous West Auckland hideaway will epitomise your ideal lifestyle, writes VICKI HOLDER.

Pondering a lifestyle change, a city couple were undecided about whether to settle on the beach or in the bush. This serene rainforest retreat, just 25 minutes from downtown Auckland, clinched the deal.

Having found it, they knew it was exactly what they were searching for, say owners Margaret Richards and Allan Wild. "To have the bush with no other building in sight is very exciting. The light changes the mood all the time. Even when it's misty it's still exciting, because it has lots of layers," says Margaret.

Some people imagine that living in the bush might feel closed in. However, the house rises several storeys from one of many grassy glades scattered across the large, West Auckland property in Waiatarua. The main living level on the upper storey opens out to a deep balcony, which enjoys all-day sun as it sits above the bush canopy and looks out through the trees from a sheltered, north-facing slope.

Every window frames a rich, textural embroidery of mighty lichen-encrusted kauri trunks, glistening palm fronds, delicately sculptured punga ferns and a multitude of beautiful leaves. The couple have debated whether to chop down some of the palms growing against the edge of the house, which so far have managed to stand their ground.

Having opted for native bush over the waterfront hasn't meant the couple have had to miss out on watery pleasures. Paths meander down through the trees to a private stream. Cascading over rocks, it delights the grandchildren who frequently come for picnics. The forest provides ample fodder for their outdoor artworks, which they create in an area dubbed by Margaret as "the installation".

Although Allan is an architect and a former professor at Auckland University, he did not design the house himself. It had already been built of cedar in several stages when the couple arrived. Another architect had extended the rear, adding a band of clerestory windows that infuse the whole interior with light. He also enlarged the master bedroom and installed a good-sized, walk-through dressing room opening to a large, light-filled en suite.

The house was well-designed with tall, sloping, timber ceilings, extensive glazing and deep eaves that protect from the sun at the height of summer, yet allow the low sun to come inside in winter. However, the interior was broken up with small rooms. As an architect, Allan had clear ideas about how to open it up to make it work better.

Margaret explains that he didn't do the obvious - what she would have done - by simply taking out all the walls to create one big space. By leaving some of the walls, the living area is open yet incorporates separate spaces suited to different functions. The tall, central dining area is adjacent to an intimate, quiet space used as a library with books lining the shelves. Around the corner, a sitting space opens to the sun.

A rimu kitchen with a large Corian benchtop sits in the middle, between two living areas, with a casual eating space in front. A family room at the other end of the house enables parents to escape from the children while they watch television.

Windows and doors are unadorned with curtain treatments to give a clean, modern look. Air conditioning ensures it never becomes too hot in summer and underfloor heating keeps it cosy in winter.

Four bedrooms on the living level include the master suite with its delightful musician's gallery upstairs. Windows from the gallery overlooking the bedroom are screened with rattan to match the insets in the dressing room doors. A guest suite at the opposite end has its own external access to a glazed conservatory.

Downstairs, an internal access to the double garaging links by stairs back to the entry foyer. Allan has converted a self-contained living area below to make it his office, so he hardly ever needs to leave the paradise he has found. It, too, opens through glass sliders to a terrace surrounded by native bush. With a bedroom and bathroom attached, the entire downstairs area could easily become a separate apartment for guests or teenagers.

With its spacious and versatile design, this relaxing home lends itself to comfortable family living, or even a bed and breakfast to host the many travellers fascinated by the concept of living in a rainforest.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 45 Opanuku, Waiatarua, West Auckland.

FEATURES: Multi-level contemporary cedar home set in native bush with stream; borders regional park; sweeping views and complete privacy; five bedrooms, two with en suites, master with walk-through dressing room; four bathrooms; several living areas opening to balcony and terrace; self-contained apartment below with kitchenette; double garaging; bush views from every window; large water tank; indoor spa pool.

SIZE: Land area 2ha.

AUCTION: On site, October 18, at 1pm.

AGENT: Jacqui Gardner, Harveys, Blockhouse Bay. Ph 626 6119 bus; 021 894 940 mob.