A life of leisure

By Cedric Gray

Ten years ago, Whitford, south-east of Auckland, was a quiet rural retreat. It was beef, sheep and thoroughbred country just outside the clutches of the sprawling city.

It is still classified as rural - "dress circle rural" is one apt description - but the larger holdings are giving way to lifestyle blocks of between 2ha and 10ha in much the same way as rural subdivision has blossomed in other parts of South Auckland.

Property values have climbed as a result with a number of small properties in Whitford and neighbouring Clevedon valued at more than $1 million.

One of these is in Clifton Rd, Whitford. Its panoramic view across rolling pasture to the Hauraki Gulf and the chain of islands from Rangitoto to Pakatoa is one factor attracting interest in advance of the 2ha property being auctioned through Ray White United (Leon Mountford) on July 19.

The property is within a few minutes' drive of a cluster of sheltered east coast beaches - Beachlands, Omana and Maretai - and two challenging golf courses plus the newly developed marina at Pine Harbour.

There are several equestrian training circuits in the district. The rapidly expanding Botany Downs shopping centre and the Manukau city centre are within an easy drive. School buses to primary, intermediate and secondary schools pass the gate.

Leon Mountford describes the property as "something special . . . we are lucky if we handle something like this once or twice a year."

The property is owned by an East Tamaki businessman, Andy Simpson, and his wife, Barbara, who have lived in Whitford for 15 years.

The house of two levels and about 340 sq m was designed by Auckland architects Andrews Scott Cotton, and built 4 1/2 years ago. It has three large bedrooms on the ground floor and two bedrooms (including the master bedroom and en suite) on the first floor. All bedrooms have direct access to the outdoors.

The emphasis is on comfort, aesthetic appeal and space. There are large formal and informal lounge and family dining areas, a quality kitchen and three bathrooms.

A hot water floor heating system with 19 heating pads is divided into seven controlled zones. There is a Jetmaster fireplace, with granite hearth and surrounds.

A three-phase power supply controls about 120 lights, including interior and exterior sensor lighting. A modern security system has been installed.

The focal point for outdoor leisure is a 15m in-ground swimming pool and courtyard within a few metres of the house. There is a substantial poolside pavillion-cum-gymnasium-games room, and room for a tennis court.

The property is divided into three fenced paddocks, suitable for sheep grazing and room enough for a child's pony.

There are two in-ground water tanks, with a supply sufficient for garden irrigation.