A builder himself, Richard appreciated all the effort Philip Morriss had gone to. The house is made of solid concrete, with the upper level clad in Hinuera stone.
As the compendium compiled by Philip explains, 4643 masonry blocks were used in construction, and the walls surrounding the house were decorated with 556 pre-cast concrete scrolls. So they would be identical, the scrolls were made in the same mould, one at a time.
"He would come home every night, pour concrete into the mould and leave it in until the next day when it had set. He did that every day until he had over 500."
The thoughtful touches Tina and Richard have come to appreciate include the built-in fish tank with an automated water changing system, and a pump in a downstairs storage room so they can't hear any noise.
A built-in ladder in a hall cupboard allows easy access to the loft, and there's a genuine bank safe in one of the bedrooms.
If they had a dog, they would also no doubt appreciate the dog house, complete with window, incorporated into a concrete wall on the back deck.
One of the things Tina was looking for when they were house-hunting was a home and income, so she was delighted to see the house had a one-bedroom flat with its own outdoor area. They've never had trouble getting tenants.
For Richard, who restores old cars and caravans, the garage was a priority, and he couldn't have asked for better. This garage not only fits five or even six vehicles, but has a gantry crane.
"There's so much space that when we got engaged, we cleared it out and had a sit-down dinner for 70 people in there," says Tina.
If it is too big for future owners, there is the potential to divide it up and create another living space, such as a media room, office or kids playroom -- although there is already a rumpus room next door.
The main level upstairs contains a family bathroom, laundry and four bedrooms (or three and an office), including the master bedroom which has an en suite and walk-through wardrobe. The kitchen, dining area and living room are all generous and have great views across the neighbourhood.
A sheltered deck gets the afternoon sun and is the perfect spot for barbecues, and there's a spa pool. The garden, meanwhile, looks like it has been transported from a Balinese resort. It includes a well, a carved Easter Island-type statue and an elevated walkway that curves around the waterfall and over the ponds.
Richard and Tina were married in the garden four years ago, and it made a spectacular backdrop for the ceremony. The couple, and Tina's children, Courtney and Chad, have felt spoilt in a remarkable home with so much space. They've also enjoyed living close to shopping centres, great restaurants, Old Howick and several beaches.
But now Chad has left home and Courtney is likely also to fly the nest soon, Tina and Richard are keen to try something different and buy a rural property.
