A pharmaceutical consultant, in those days Brian was driving to the city. He says the property is great because it is only 2km off the motorway, 5km to Pukekohe, less than half an hour to Manukau and only half an hour to the city on a good run.
He works from home now and Marg retired aged around 50 to look after the easy-care property and, as Brian chips in, have time to "do lunch".
Marg agrees she does have a monthly lunch date with a friend but says she also enjoys taking care of the gardens and the house.
Both were attracted by the size of the property.
"I like to have the animals and the spaciousness and the fact that we don't have any close neighbours. It's got all of that," Brian says.
They have five paddocks and a few cattle, mainly to keep the grass down.
"They look after themselves," Brian says.
The tiered deck "is pretty special" and was rebuilt about two years ago to incorporate a fireplace. It faces north and overlooks the countryside.
They planted native trees and flaxes that brought the bird life back, from tui and wood pigeons to a pheasant that hangs around.
The house is rimu-trimmed with high sarked ceilings and the master bedroom, with walk-in wardrobe and en suite, has a degree of separation, but Marg says her favourite room is the family room.
"It's off the dining area so it's a little smaller than the main lounge, and I've got my 60-inch TV in there and it's nice and light. It's quite colourful and it's a nice place to just relax."
Brian, who loves motor racing, reckons the other lounge is his favourite place.
"While she's watching Coronation St in there, I'm watching sport or something else in the other room and we've got a projector in there.
"We've had a couple of weddings, we've had big marquees on the lawn, and we've had a few really good parties here with bands. We had Hello Sailor here once, for my 50th."
The locals are great, as well.
"We've got about 23 houses in our neighbour-hood group and we all get together and enjoy a good time a couple of times a year at least," says Brian.
That includes biennial ride-on lawnmower races.
Pukekohe is a "lovely little town" these days, with great restaurants and good shopping.
A dual water supply -- a 22,700-litre tank and their own bore -- means they never run out of water, and the maintenance is low.
"All we've got to do is open the gate and move the cattle once a week, sort of thing."
Marg says the property would be wonderful for children and because of all the land they could keep ponies or chooks and have a big vege garden.
Along with 16-year-old cat Harold, the Days are seeking warmer climes and plan to build in the Hawkes Bay.
