Whitford: Unpretentious appeal

The house may be humble but the grounds and that view certainly are not. By LUCY RICHMOND.

Breathtaking views and space to roam are what this property is all about.

As you turn into the driveway and approach the house, you feel compelled to stop for a moment, breath in the fresh air and appreciate the vista that greets you.

The panoramic scene takes in the Formosa Golf Club, which adjoins the property, Pine Harbour marina, the Bucklands Beach coastline and city beyond, the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island, Waiheke Island and a sprinkling of outer islands.

Designed for horse-lovers, the 6ha block boasts a host of impressive equestrian facilities, including an all-weather dressage arena, a race for access to the fenced paddocks, stables, a tackroom and grooms' accommodation. The well-established, gently sloping grounds make superb horse country.

From its commanding, elevated, north-facing position, the modest, older-style Lockwood house is comfortable, cosy and well-suited to family living. The simple timber and cream decor reflects its use as a weekend retreat, and improvements could be made if it were to be used as a permanent home. The house could be easily altered or enlarged, if necessary.

Entering through the back door (the main entrance is hardly used), visitors arrive in the family lounge, which blends with the open-plan dining area, kitchen and formal lounge. With a spacious feel, this fabulous open-plan area faces north to take in those awesome views. The formal lounge at the far end features impressive, large windows, which allow the sun to pour in and the scenery to dominate.

The cute, clean-look kitchen features blue and cream floor tiles, blue benchtops and cream cabinetry. The dishwasher, fridge-freezer and oven are included in the sale.

Doors from the dining area open to a deck that runs the length of the living area, which provides the perfect spot for outdoor entertaining with an impressive outlook. A woodburner in the family lounge keeps the place cosy on cool nights.

Along the hallway at the other end of the house, the three good-size bedrooms feature built-in wardrobes. The main bedroom opens to the garden.

There is a separate bathroom opposite the main bedroom and a toilet-shower room off the hallway, which is within easy reach of the other two bedrooms.

The laundry is housed in the double carport, along with another toilet.

The gardens are refreshingly simple, with lush lawns, a scattering of camellia trees, a few red-hot pokers, a selection of succulents and sedge grasses among the highlights. Set back from the house, a wooden pergola faces the view and offers the ideal spot for a sit in the sun. A crushed shell path leads from the entrance to the back of the house.

If the 6ha block isn't big enough as a playground, there are a host of other things to do in the area. As well as the neighbouring golf course and nearby marina, there are beaches, pony clubs and mountain bike tracks all within easy reach. And Auckland city is a 45-minute drive away.

With such a superb selection of activities on your doorstep, this unpretentious property with a million-dollar view remains a wonderful weekend home with bags of potential for development.

Vital statistics:

ADDRESS: 758 Whitford-Maraetai Rd, Whitford.

FEATURES: Older-style Lockwood home on 6ha lifestyle block with views; north-facing, open-plan living, dining and kitchen area; woodburner; three bedrooms; toilet/shower room; separate bathroom; tank water; lawns and simple gardens; double carport with laundry and extra toilet; all-weather dressage arena, stables, grooms' accommodation, tackroom, nine fenced paddocks and race.

SIZE: Floor area approx 550sq m.

TENDER: Closes 4pm, November 5.

AGENTS: Julie Parmenter (Whitford) and Paul Barnao (Remuera), Barfoot & Thompson. Ph Julie 530 8292 bus; 021 982 210 mob; Paul 524 0149 bus; 021 920 745 mob.