When their friends started selling their large family homes and moving to retirement villages, Elizabeth Diprose, formerly a Remuera antiques dealer, and her husband, Ken, who'd spent two decades as principal at Epsom Normal School, did exactly the opposite -- taking on a 4ha estate at Whitford, where they proceeded to live for 20 years.
"Mum and dad were keen to find somewhere with a big garden," says their architect son, Peter.
Sure enough, the couple planted hundreds of trees, turning the grounds of the solid, well-built 1970s house into what is essentially a beautiful, private park.
Inside, wide spaces and constant sunshine provided a perfect backdrop for the Georgian treasures Elizabeth had accumulated during her years in business and with five large bedrooms, there was space for family and friends to stay.
In the open kitchen and casual dining area, Elizabeth held court, chatting as she cooked. The couple renovated this part of the house completely, giving it an English feel, with a flagstone floor, granite benchtops and big windows with wonderful garden views.
Peter watched the refurbishment with interest. At the time he was working in a loft above the garage but, in 2001, it was decided he needed a studio.
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom plus office building that resulted was at least five years before its time, he explains, with its features influenced by his "design to be green" approach, and commitment to sustainable architecture.
"We used board and batten, with solar hot water heating, six-inch walls stuffed with wool -- and double glazing too."
Soon afterwards, Elizabeth, Ken and Peter heard about a little 1860s cottage in nearby Ambrose Lane, Whitford's first post office and lending library, but now completely dilapidated, with cows roaming freely in and out and a large tractor tyre leaning near the door.
The cottage was to be removed or demolished.
"My mother knew the developer from church, and she told him that we would take it. Luckily, he agreed."
Image 1 of 5: A trio of classics on a swathe of sylvan land sets the mind racing on all the wonderful uses they are ideal for
Having been granted resource consent by the council, the Diproses rebuilt and restored the cottage.
"It's hard to believe that my parents were already well into their 80s by now," Peter says.
"I remember dad driving out to Kumeu with a trailer and collecting kauri floorboards.
"Then mum furnished the cottage with antiques."
Peter suggests the property would suit an extended family, or someone who wants to work from home, separated from the main house, either in the studio -- or in the cottage, which is what he's been doing lately.
Two weddings have been held here and 100 people milled around on the veranda of the big house, with plenty of room to spare.
This would be the perfect spot for owners wanting to host events on a regular basis and there's an old glasshouse, which hasn't been restored yet but has loads of potential, as another relaxing or entertainment area.
Just minutes from Whitford and Clevedon villages, this elegant, versatile estate is peaceful and private, yet handy.
Pine Harbour Marina, the local golf course and beautiful beaches are right on the doorstep and the "big smoke" of Botany Town centre is just a short drive away.
"We never ran animals here, but you certainly could, so that's another possibility," says Peter.
Elizabeth died last year and the property is now too big for Ken's and the extended family's needs.
