Tracey and Matthew Symonds admit they are a family that likes to move around. But this time, rather than just switching suburbs, they're selling up their country lifestyle and heading to Tauranga, part of a growing trend.
They've found that they love the country community life that Riverhead has offered them for the past three years and now want to try beachside in a smaller city.
"We'd renovated a couple of houses on Te Atatu Peninsula, then decided we'd take a look at country. People were talking about Riverhead, we'd looked at a couple of places but when the agent showed us this we fell in love," says Matthew. "With the studio out the back we could have tenants and make it all work financially."
The couple found the best of both worlds -- a completely renovated house where they could add their own touches on a spreading section that didn't need farming. In the three years handyman Matthew and crafter Tracey have created a stylish country life around a new baby (Henry is now 2) joining sisters Mia 7 and Pippa, 5, and Matthew building and selling his business.
The house was an unusual 1940s bungalow that was moved to the property from Remuera in 2002. It had a later cottage connected to it to make a generously zoned house. The working sash windows (perfect for catching the breeze in this sticky weather as they open at top and bottom) and plaster cornices, deco pocket doors between the living and dining rooms and rimu (or matai, timber experts aren't sure) floors suggest a grand style.
The framing is kauri, the place was well insulated so the couple just needed to add their design: upgraded appliances and light fittings, smart white paint, with fashionable smoky blue in guest and craft room. And, mercifully, heat pumps which switch to air-con in the summer.
The original part of the house has a bright living room with dining and kitchen opening off it. Tracey loves the granite veneer benches, perfect for keeping pastry cool, while the girls can sit up at the bar to help. The three children's bedrooms are all generous doubles with plenty of light.
Image 1 of 6: With owners leaving rural life for the coast, this large home is ready for its next family. Photos / Ted Baghurst
Tracey, a serious collector of vintage, is sorry to be leaving the beautifully detailed built in wardrobes and drawers, complete with original handles. In addition to the good-sized family bathroom there's an old-style country laundry and mud-room, perfect for a collection or two.
A half flight of stairs joins the second cottage part of the house. As well as the master bedroom, with an en suite and French doors to the entertaining deck there's an enormous family room with space for toys, media and the family books. Off this is a pretty guest room for visiting nana and Tracey's enviable craft room.
The stand alone one-bedroom studio has had a refresh, with insulation, updated bathroom and flooring and a private paved patio. It's been in continuous use by family and friends, but agents tell the couple it would rent for $320 to $350 a week. Matthew had measure it up for a pool table, but has had to content himself with organising the adjoining shed into a man cave.
The couple have added numerous fruit trees, a chicken coop and vege garden to complete the good life, and there are two 50,000-litre water tanks.
They've loved the village life, with its great school community, walking access to Hallertau, the Riverhead Tavern, a growing shopping area and the super Boric food market just up the road.
