When Cheryle Gail left California in 2001 to travel the world for a year on her bicycle, part of the trip's purpose was to find a home surrounded by nature.
"I sent out a letter to my clients, friends and family, letting them know my massage practice was for sale and my plans to leave the rat race of Silicon Valley."
Cheryle's dream home requirements were being within an hour of ethnic food and ballroom dancing, being affordable ... and having a yellow and blue kitchen.
Her travels took her to Europe, Norway, England, Scotland and China and then six months into her journey, she landed in New Zealand.
"My first night camping at Miranda Hot Springs, I picked up a real estate guide that had a property advertising a wraparound porch and ballroom."
Later, when she walked down the driveway to view the 1800s Awhitu Peninsula seven-bedroom turret-topped home, she knew it was what she wanted.
"I didn't even need to walk inside the house. I did tell myself not to take out my cheque book. Be smart about this Cheryle, you have been in the country only three days."
So she travelled around the North and South Islands to see what else was on offer.
"Halfway through the South Island, I called the realtor and made an offer. Coming from California I never imagined I could afford a home. To have 17 acres and an 1800s house is amazing."
A previous owner had done extensive renovations including re-piling, fixing the roof and fireplaces. Cheryle picked up where he had left off, insulating, installing LPG and a heat transfer system, building two bathrooms and painting the kauri house (including the blue and yellow kitchen she had yearned for).
The bedroom beside the downstairs master bedroom was changed into a dressing room. A veranda was covered and expanded.
A massage studio and gazebo were built and an existing cottage was gutted and transformed into an open plan space with picture windows and covered porch. A two-car garage is now an insulated art studio with sky lights and a wraparound porch.
Image 1 of 6: A retreat with a ballroom and plenty to offer a large family who need lots of space.
Now her grand home has an entry foyer, a large sun-filled kitchen with a wood burning stove and oven and a large kauri table that seats 14 guests. There is the drawing room with a swamp kauri bar, and the ballroom that caught Cheryle's eye when she first came to visit. The master bedroom on this level has that walk-in wardrobe and an en suite. Outdoor areas include the bougainvillea laden porch and the Argentine barbecue.
The five upstairs bedrooms have corner windows, and families will never have to fight over the bathroom again, as there are four in the house, plus an outdoor claw bath and shower. The property also has a volleyball court, children's playground, vege garden, walking tracks through the bush and a natural amphitheatre.
"And when the storms and wind are right you can hear the ocean waves beating the sand of the wild west coast. Orua Bay is only 3km down the road.
She is an hour away from Drury, 30 minutes' drive to Waiuku. Nearby are the Awhitu regional park, golf course, and the Awhitu District School in Matakawau Rd, "which has a great Easter auction on the Saturday, its once-a-year fundraiser".
The property's land use permit allows it to be used as a retreat for up to 200 people outdoors, to have events in the house for 70, and classes in the art studio. A water treatment plant and parking lot were needed for this permit.
"The possibility is there for someone to make it into a business."
But family illnesses and the birth of grandchildren have taken Cheryl away from New Zealand on and off over the last six years. "Being a grandmother has changed all my priorities."
Cheryle is now selling so she can spend more time with her family back in America.
"The Awhitu Peninsula is a secret treasure trove for Aucklanders. The prices are still low and nobody knows about it. And I am on it."
