SCHOOL ZONES:
Riverview School, Kerikeri High School.
CONTACT:
Robi Quilter, Harcourts, 021 223 3267.
English expats Chris and Mike Coakley holidayed all over the country before deciding that Kerikeri would be their dream location if they ever retired to New Zealand.
The couple had both been working 60-hour weeks in demanding jobs before they settled here from Buckinghamshire eight years ago.
"We fell in love with Kerikeri and the climate is absolutely perfect -- particularly compared with the UK," says Chris.
She worked at a local retirement village and they rented an apartment in Dove's Bay while they applied for residency and looked for a home to buy.
"Nothing was quite right so we ended up with a section and building a house, which was a huge thing for us because in England you don't do that unless you are mega rich or it is a home that is exactly the same as a whole lot of others being built."
After looking at several sections, they chose their 4ha piece of land in Swallow's Ridge because it is only eight minutes' drive to Kerikeri township and has excellent rural and coastal views that look over the Kerikeri Inlet.
Although Mike is an engineer, the couple used a building company rather than managing the entire project themselves because they were unfamiliar with building materials used in New Zealand and the best tradespeople to use.
"We went with David Reid because they build bigger, higher spec-ed homes and they put everything through the council for us," says Mike, who became project manager once construction started.
The Coakleys worked with Alan Simpkin of Kaitaia's Arcline architects to come up with a plan that would accommodate the many friends who told them they were mad to move to the other side of the world -- but who have since come to stay.
The construction of the six-year-old, two-storey home, which is surrounded by established gardens, a swimming pool, an outdoor entertainment area with gazebo and three paddocks, includes timber framing, rendered brick and a tiled roof.
Image 1 of 8: With its rural and coastal views, this thoughtfully designed home is an ideal entertainer.
The upstairs level, which looks out over the swimming pool and across farmland to the sea, is dedicated to a large master bedroom, ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and large balcony. Its loft is part of the home's ample storage.
On the downstairs level, an open plan living room, dining room and impressive 20 square metre kitchen open out to the outdoor entertainment area and pool.
Near the kitchen and open plan living are an office, cloakroom and separate living room with a gas fire.
Off the hallway are three double bedrooms -- all 20 square metres and all with their own bathrooms. Access to the double garage is also off the hallway, which has a kitchenette and a door leading outside.
A door in the hallway can be closed to separate the three bedrooms and kitchenette from the main living to provide self-contained guest accommodation.
The Coakleys spend their time at the house and in its immediate grounds, which they have landscaped with a mix of native and exotic plants chosen for colour, scent and seasonal interest.
They have also built a man-shed and planted a small orchard with about 15 varieties of fruit trees.
The surrounding paddocks include stockyards and are leased out for grazing in winter and hay making in summer.
Four years ago the Coakleys began running a bed and breakfast business "as a hobby" from their home. They say it has become so popular that they are busier than they want to be.
However, they now plan to travel more and will look at buying a smaller property in Kerikeri.
