Waimauku: Tailored for relaxation

Welcome to a villa in an idyllic country setting designed for easy family living. By CEDRIC GRAY.

At first glance the colonial-style villa looks more suited to a corner of rural England than its bush setting in Matatea Rd, Waimauku. Within minutes of walking up the circular concrete driveway, however, one warms to the contrast.

The villa is tailored for the location. It is surrounded by native trees, many planted in the past few years, and it is framed on three sides by native bush on neighbouring properties. In short, it is a delightful rural hideaway within a few minutes' drive of Waimauku and the Kumeu township.

The property is owned by Gary and Linda Morris, the 2.114ha in five paddocks providing sufficient grazing for a handful of young cattle. There is grazing, too, for a couple of ponies.

Pleasant views towards Muriwai valley to the north-west are a feature. The scene takes in all corners of the property and the neighbouring bush-clad hillside, which is home to a wide variety of bird life.

The buildings include a double garage, workshop and storage bay alongside the driveway, and small stock yards. All occupy a well-sheltered site near the villa.

A heated in-ground swimming pool below the villa, a spa pool and sunny outdoor decks are ideal for outdoor recreation and leisure. All the main living areas have french door access to the decks.

This is essentially a warm family home. The lounge, warmed by a woodburner, occupies one end of the ground floor, and there is a nearby snug or conversation room. Both areas flow to spacious open-plan living and dining, which captures the best of the views. Douglas fir timber ceilings on both floors add to the rustic look.

The modern kitchen, with gas hobs and an electric oven, features attractive polished rimu benchtops and serves not only a cosy dinette but also the extended family lounge, making it ideal for indoor catering for a large crowd.

On this level, too, there is a guest bedroom and an adjacent bathroom.

Three upstairs bedrooms are heated by a flue from a second woodburner in the family room. Each room features cathedral-style timber ceilings, and the master bedroom has a comfortable en suite and walk-in wardrobe.

The property is for sale through Norwest Real Estate, Kumeu, at an asking price of $699,000. For more information contact Lin Childs on 412 8876 or 021 177 1778.