Waiatarua: All the mod cons

A couple rebuilt their house to incorporate high-tech wizardry, while making the most of its bush setting. 

22 Turanga Road, Waiatarua.

Just because you are living out in the bush, it doesn't mean you can't have the comforts of the city. 

That seems to be the philosophy Juliana Moss and husband Scott Cowen adopted when they renovated a single-level cedar weatherboard house they bought in 1996. 

"It was kind of a 60s house with small rooms, and we wanted to open it out for entertainment," says Juliana. 

So towards the end of 2001 the couple started building up and out, almost entirely rebuilding the house, as well as having it rewired and replumbed. One of the few original features that remain is the Rimu Rest sign at the gate. 

"The plan was a renovation, but it was easier for the builder to start afresh," says Scott. 

Juliana and Scott moved out for six months while their detailed plans were realised. They came back to a significantly larger two-level home clad in a mixture of plaster, weatherboards and zincalume, and with more outdoor living. 

You can tell this is no ordinary home in the bush when you hit the driveway with its electric security gates with video intercom and video surveillance. Once in the home, the open plan design invites you through the living space and to the west-facing rear deck with views over the bushclad valley. Down from the deck is a spa pool with a fale-type shelter. 

"It's especially good in winter," says Juliana. "You can sit out here in the spa pool and not get raindrops on your head." 

The lounge has a gas fire but, as Scott points out, you barely need it in a house with four heat pumps. The kitchen, with its distinctive rimu breakfast bar, has a walk-in pantry and Smeg wall oven and five-burner hob. 

There are two bedrooms downstairs and a further two upstairs. The master bedroom has its own deck with views out to the West Coast. 

Behind the lounge is the soundproofed home theatre that Scott has set up with a projector and screen, and a plasma screen for good measure. It has been designed so all the high-end cabling and video/audio componentry is out of sight. 

The house is bristling with technology: smart lighting in the living areas, in-wall or ceiling speakers throughout the house as well as outdoors speakers, an advanced filtration system for the drinking water off the roof, and cabling for internet and satellite TV throughout. 

Even the gas bottles that supply the water heater, hob, barbecue and indoor fire are set up so that when they are near empty they re-order themselves by email. 

"The whole idea was we wanted something that was easy care and easy living because we both work pretty long hours," says Scott. 

Having finished this home, Scott and Juliana are keen to get on with the next one. 

As Scott explains, "Second to our jobs, real estate is our passion." 

The couple has bought a 1ha block of land at South Head and will take a lot of ideas with them. They will also explore new ones such as alternative energy, and developing an orchard with heritage fruit trees. 

Scott says, "We want to build our new place in an environmentally friendly way, but do it in a contemporary fashion, so you can still have your home theatre and all your appliances." 

Vital Statistics: 

BEDROOMS: 4 

BATHROOMS: 2 

GARAGE: 2+ 

SIZE: Land 1510sq m, house 290sq m. 

PRICE INDICATION: Low $700,000s. 

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1-2pm. 

CONTACT: Sheryl Hawkes, Harcourts Henderson, ph 838 6520 bus 021 757 427. 

FEATURES: Virtually new home in bush setting behind electric gates with video surveillance. Outdoor spa with thatched roof and outdoor speakers. Home theatre, gas fire, smart lighting system, built-in speakers and heat pumps throughout.