AUCTION:
August 22 (will not be sold prior) on site at 12.30pm.
Dellwyn Stuart can picture a family living in this new house, enjoying the space and light from the big cathedral windows and high sloped ceilings.
This isn't Dellwyn's house, but the profits from the sale are going to Cure Kids, the charity she heads, which funds research into better treatments for a range of childhood illnesses while also working towards finding cures.
The house is in a new suburb in Silverdale and has been built by Mike Greer Homes, which has moved into the Auckland market from the South Island.
Dellwyn says this project means such a lot to her.
"We talked about it being a dream home, and that was such a lovely fit for us because we are in the business of dreams for kids that don't have rosy childhoods," she says.
"We work for kids that dream of being able to kick a rugby ball or of being able to swim in the school pool -- but they've got, say, cystic fibrosis so that's not a possibility for them."
Mike Greer Homes had a huge number of suppliers that either donated their time or materials, so whoever buys the house can do so knowing it has been lovingly built, she says.
"It's a beautiful house. I live in an old house, and I love my old house, but you walk into these houses and they just feel so dry and warm."
The cathedral ceilings stretch from the kitchen and dining area through the lounge and the big windows let the sun flood in and give character to the spaces.
Three bedrooms open off the hallway via soft sliding doors and around the corner is the big master bedroom that features a large walk-in wardrobe and a sparkling en suite with a groovy, zig-zag tiled shower wall.
Image 1 of 9: Cathedral windows and cedar frontage distinguish this home, whose sale will benefit Cure Kids
"I think it's completely a family house," says Dellwyn. "It just feels so liveable. I have three children and I can just imagine them feeling so relaxed here, and for a new build I think they've worked hard to give it character.
"And I'm a sucker for weatherboard, I just think it's such an iconic New Zealand thing."
Outside is a landscaped garden and the property is fully fenced so perfect for children and a dog. You are close to nice beaches and Silverdale is booming.
Sean Connolly, director of Mike Greer Homes Auckland, says the company wanted to give something back.
"I guess it's really relevant for us," he says.
"We're all of that age where we have young children.
"I guess doing it this way through constructing a house is because it's something that we do, and it allows our subcontractors and suppliers to come on board and contribute as opposed to just handing a hunk of money over. You know, it creates something that's ongoing."
They wanted to bring a bit of the south to the north so the design ethos is based on a southern mountain range villa, but the layout captures the warmth and sunlight of the north.
And they wanted it to stand out from the other new builds in the neighbourhood, hence the large cathedral windows and cedar frontage.
Inside, there is style and functionality for a family, and the house wraps around a central decking area so there is privacy and shelter in this "outdoor room".
Dellwyn loves this area and hopes whoever buys the house is not only happy here but happy knowing that in buying their new home they have also helped the nation's children.
"This is just such an amazing gift, an act of generosity and community spirit and it's lovely."
