SCHOOL ZONES:
Coatesville Primary, Albany Junior and Albany Senior High.
CONTACT:
Ailsa McArthur, Bayleys, 027 298 4000.
AUCTION:
October 7.
Set on 2ha of Coatesville countryside is a grand weatherboard home that has grown from modest bungalow beginnings to now measure an impressive 550sq m.
"We bought this property when it had a relatively small rectangular bungalow," says Tony Lambert. "That had been moved on from Mt Eden about 15 years before we bought it. The original house is around 110-120 years old now."
Those century-old "bones" form the centre of Tony and Kathy Lambert's home, and the three additional wings span out from it.
"It has been a 25-year project, adding to the house bit by bit," says Tony. "It probably started about 120-150sq m, that small long rectangular bungalow style."
Architect John D'Anvers designed the extensions. "It was crucial to retain that character," says Tony. "Even some of the door frames are very similar to what the old ones are. It is a combination of modern/contemporary and the original classic design." Internally, they stayed faithful to the kauri flooring and adding interest are stained glass windows designed and made by Suzanne and Ben Hanly.
Tony and Kathy and their sons, now aged 24 and 26 and no longer living at home, enjoyed living in the close community that makes up Coatesville.
"Coatesville has around 500 houses and a thriving primary school. It is a fun school, semi-rural," says Tony.
"We are in the country but it is only 25 minutes to the city. Coatesville has changed a bit in the 25 years, it has lost its pure rural-ness and it has become a lifestyle suburb but it still has that feeling of country."
The practical design and layout of their home offer a variety of living options. The open plan kitchen, with granite benchtops, the family and dining rooms, as well as the sunken formal lounge, open to the garden and outdoor entertaining areas including the heated salt water swimming pool and cabana.
As well there are the formal dining, media/rumpus room and bathrooms.
"One of the things about the house is it is either a four-bedroom, three-office house or a six bedroom, one-office house," says Tony. "That is the versatility we are offering. The south-facing wing has the master bedroom suite and next are the two offices that could be turned into bedrooms.
Image 1 of 5: A 100-year-old villa moved from Mt Eden has become the quintessential country lodge
"The other three bedrooms plus a bathroom are in their own separate wing down a hallway. And all bedrooms have access to the wraparound deck through french doors."
Four bathrooms include one by the pool. "Our kids used to play water polo for their school, their province and New Zealand so we used to have a lot of pool parties for their teams."
The house has two heat pumps, one for the bedroom area, one for the living area. "The living area one is large, more of an industrial version and it warms the house beautifully within about 20 minutes," says Tony. "A third heat pump heats the swimming pool. We also have underfloor heating in two bathrooms and in the sunken lounge, the one we use most of the time."
The Lamberts' large home is set off beautifully by the garden. Views take in paddocks, trees and gardens.
"We have planted every single bush or tree except for five or six original trees," says Tony. "There are 8 to 10 pohutukawa, rimu 6m high, totara, kauri. We planted a lot of native trees and shrubs, too, for the birds."
Claret ash lines the driveway, putting on a spectacular show in autumn.
Other buildings on the land are the 150sq m barn where the couple keep their four wheel bike, trailer and ride-on mower. "It is fantastic for storage, we have our business and financial records in there on the mezzanine floor," says Tony.
Attached to the barn outside are pens for chickens and pigs, plus there is a sheep shearing area.
Tony says their property may be large but it is definitely homely.
"Everyone loves it for the feeling it is a home and not just a house. On top of that it is private. Even though we have fabulous views, we don't have anybody looking down on us. The nearest house is 200m away but they can't see us."
The couple are selling to downsize. "You can imagine a house this size, we don't use half of it. We will probably move into the city."
