When Tom and Samantha Osborne left the city, they wanted a lifestyle block with the emphasis on having a life.
As Tom says: "We wanted something that was comfortable and manageable with both of us working fulltime, and we wanted to be able to actually enjoy the things that are around here like going mountainbiking in Woodhill, having a game of golf or going to Hallertau for a beer."
They found that in 2008 in this 1.25ha property, which was subdivided from a larger block with the existing house being moved up the hill on to their smaller piece of land and renovated and extended.
"I think my wife had bought it once we turned through the gates because it's such a pretty house, and when she saw that it didn't need a whole lot of work that was it," says Tom.
"It's a lovely home - it has a very warm and welcoming feel, has the character and bones that makes it feel strong and grounded, but the mod cons and conveniences to be comfortable and that work for modern living."
When the home was moved on to its new site, a garage was added and the house was extended with decking and a veranda added.
It has a handmade farmhouse kitchen and new bathrooms. With its elevated position, the home looks across the countryside, including the neighbouring equestrian facility.
In their time here, Tom and Samantha have developed the landscaping around the house, planting and putting in more fencing as well as creating citrus and pip fruit orchards that they can harvest.
"My wife's into preserving so we spend a lot of time bottling things, which is a very traditional thing to do in that farmhouse kitchen."
Near the front door, on the northern side of the house, the master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe that you move through to the en suite.
It also has a bay window with window seat on the northern wall, and doors open to a west-facing veranda
There are three more bedrooms, one of which has been set up as an office. Kauri floors in the hallway give way to carpet in the bedrooms, while the newer parts of the house have tiled floors.
83 Tarrant Road, Woodhill. Photo / Supplied
The lounge also has a bay window and a riverstone fireplace and hearth with woodburner that is backdropped by a feature wall with stag head wallpaper.
It adjoins the kitchen/dining/family room that has french doors out to the veranda.
Tom, who enjoys cooking, says the kitchen is ideal for entertaining.
"It's got a very social set-up with easy access over the benches to the dining area, and you have amazing views."
Apart from some cosmetic touches inside, Tom says their main focus was on making the house warmer and drier - especially as they have two young children - so they put in more insulation, an "industrial grade" heat pump and a ventilation system.
83 Tarrant Road, Woodhill. Photo / Supplied
He says the commute to work has been easy and "the lifestyle options in the area are fabulous with Muriwai, Woodhill Sands and Woodhill Forest and the local food, brewery and winery options all being a big plus".
