For former corporate high-fliers Jacqui Dillon, and her partner Jude Mannion, the long-established Auckland seaside suburb of Devonport proved to be the ideal place for changing down a gear, or two. Nowadays both work for not-for-profit health and community organisations and they are bringing their son, Joseph (6), up in the sort of laidback, beachy environment many Kiwi families can only dream of.
In less than four years they've turned a humble 1960s weatherboard bach-like house on an enormous 1163sq m sloping section into an enchanting Balinese-inspired oasis. The air is alive with birdsong, water laps lazily at the bottom of the garden and kayaks lie, ready for action, while the sun beats down on a picturesque back deck that has seen its fair share of family fun and celebrations.
"It's a piece of Piha in the city," declares Jacqui, looking around fondly.
The scratches on Jacqui's arms and hands are testament to her gardening skills. It is she who is responsible for the impressive stand of banana palms, which are still fruiting long after summer's end. Exotic plants such as bromeliads and bird of paradise are complemented by practical raised vegetable beds and fruit trees, some as old as the property itself.
