Whitford: Secret valley

VICKI HOLDER checks out a delightful lifestyle property with oodles of development potential.

Mohair goats once roamed this large Whitford property, cleaning up the scruffy gorse that threatened to overtake the hills.

They're long gone now, but the big, pink, corrugated iron barn used to stash feed, equipment and vehicles still towers over this secret valley looking back towards the lights of Howick, which is a convenient two-minute drive away.

A city family arrived at this lifestyle property and turned the barn into their home five years ago. All it took to convert it into a proper family retreat was to add a second wing for living to one side, which they cleverly blended with the rest.

Now, a new kitchen and family area unfolds north through glass sliders to the sun and beautiful rural views across a large deck. Here, the family can sit and enjoy the wildlife and birds that flock to the native bush on the opposite hill.

The kitchen is modest but functional, incorporating a laminate benchtop and corner pantry. With space at a premium, the breakfast bar was a wise decision, giving the family somewhere to sit and eat without the need for a dining table. Modern appliances include a Simpson oven and convection hob plus a dishwasher. A mini bio-cycle system recycles the waste water.

Next door, the laundry offers the usual whiteware plus a basic toilet in a powder room without the trimmings of a normal bathroom.

Because it's small, the living area soon warms up in the sun. But on cold winter days, a free-standing log fire in the corner is all you need to make the whole house cosy.

Upstairs, a big bedroom plus an en suite seem positively luxurious. Light pours in through a skylight and the low windows all around. The bedroom opposite once provided storage for feed, hence the reason for the unusual solid barn doors going nowhere. Because it's large, there's plenty of space for desks and sofas if the children want to entertain in their room. Some of the details are not quite finished, but a lick of paint is all that is needed to spruce it up.

The third bedroom downstairs is part of the original barn, with entry through one of the double garages as well as sliding glass doors from the deck. Another huge space, it gives flexible options and could be used as a second lounge if only two bedrooms were required.

While it's a permitted temporary dwelling, this home is as comfortable as any trendy suburban counterpart. But it has the added advantage of big potential to grow in any direction. The double garages could be lined and used as more bedrooms or extra living space.

But the real attraction of this property is the proposed building sites further down the hill. The existing home allows future owners to live on the property while constructing their dream home. Geo tech reports have been completed on two building sites on sheltered flat land, which give the go-ahead for future development. It's an enticing proposition, offering the opportunity to enjoy wide, open rural spaces so close to Botany Downs.

Those with the energy and know-how can reap the rewards of the delights on this property. They can linger in the fresh, clean air, taking quiet bush walks down through the trees. Or they can swim in punga-fringed ponds in a forest glade. Imagine cooling down in summer beneath the cascade of a picturesque waterfall flowing into a stony stream bordering the property. Well-fenced paddocks invite children to have pet sheep or ponies. Laden with potential, this affordable fantasy is surprisingly accessible.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 340 Whitford Rd, Whitford.

FEATURES: Secluded lifestyle property in valley surrounded by pine and native bush with stream running through border; permitted temporary dwelling a converted barn; two double garages; three bedrooms; mini-bio waste recycle system; two building sites with Geo Tech reports; opportunity to live on property while building; stream on border runs into ponds and waterfall; fully fenced.

SIZE: Land area 4.3ha.

TENDER CLOSES: September 19.

AGENTS: Christine Opie and Cassandra Opie, Professionals, Property Link Groups, Papakura. Ph 09 298 0980 bus; Christine 025 985 356 mob; Cassandra 021 527 224 mob.