This beautifully proportioned California bungalow was not at all Micaela Murray's style. She says she's not an "old house" person and far prefers modern design.
"But I love this house, especially the inside," she says.
"It has a really good vibe."
Michaela knew the house when the previous owner bought it, and would have bought it then had she had the funds. But she counts herself lucky that she waited because when she moved in two years ago it was fully renovated, from the refinished Matai floors to the high, white-painted timber ceilings. She says this is a good luck house.
"I've owned it two years and in that time I've met my partner and had a child. Lots of good things have happened to me."
She's no stranger to good luck, having been involved in the racing industry for several years and owning the 2005-2006 Bloodstock Filly of the Year Shikoba.
However, the property was not bought for horses -- Micaela has grazed cattle on it and is proud that every time she has sold them, they've reached top price. She spent a lot of time and effort improving the soil, mainly with organic chicken manure and says that, coupled with the fact that it's north facing with just the right slope, has done the trick. There are 11 paddocks, a good water supply and plenty of sheds, so there are various options for the acreage.
But it's not the land she'll miss when she and her partner find a smaller acreage in Clevedon, it's the house. "I don't really want to leave this house but the land is just a bit much for us at this time."
Image 1 of 4: Herald Homes
2 Holdens Road, Clevedon, Manukau.
agent: Denis Jenner, 027 255 5011
Thought to have been built around about 1925, the house was shifted on to the site and now sits comfortably overlooking the inground pool in its cobbled terrace. Painted traditional cream with red windowsills, it has classic verandas overlooking the garden, and a balcony out from the upstairs front bedroom. Bay windows and French doors further the indoor-outdoor connection.
It's seriously spacious, with big living areas, wide hallways, and five bedrooms and four bathrooms in the main residence. Also, a separate, barn-style dwelling with a further three bedrooms is set on the crest of the hill.
The garaging complex incorporates another self-contained studio space, too, so accommodating friends and family, or entertaining big crowds, is never a problem.
The house was meticulously restored inside and out by its previous owner, who took care to retain its character. The living areas and bedrooms are unfussy and gracious, and the matai flooring in the new designer kitchen with butler's pantry maintains the link to the past. Micaela says the renovations have turned this from a country house to an elegant house.
"When I came back from London last year, having stayed in many top hotels, I thought: 'my house is so much nicer than anywhere I've stayed'. It's very warm and dry in the winter, and cool in the summer."
When they move on, it will be the bathroom she'll miss the most.
"My partner says I'm a princess but I'm not," she says. "I just love comfort."
She also loves the Clevedon area and the family plans to stay there. The house is only a couple of minutes from the village, and Micaela has been going to a polo school close by.
"People think of polo as an elite sport but it's not," she says. "Actually, it's very humbling, and I love it."
