Albany: Pretty impressive

CEDRIC GRAY visits an English-style manor in a glorious setting.

When Mark and Helen Bailey came to New Zealand in 1999 they came with a mission; to build a quality English-style manor with plenty of room for their young family.

Having lived within a stone's throw of Windsor Castle, they were determined to mirror as much of rural England as possible - hence their decision to buy 2.05ha of bush and pasture in East Coast Rd, near Albany.

The property has glorious bush views. The Baileys have surrounded their home with a wide expanse of newly sown lawn and planted more than 100 exotic trees, while the grounds have been extensively landscaped.

The elevated site, reached by a long concrete driveway, has the potential to become a property of picture-postcard beauty.

The house, of about 400sq m on three levels, was completed in February. "We indicated at the start that quality was paramount and that no limit should be set to hinder our dream," says Mark. An on-site building inspector, with a lifetime of experience in the British building industry, was employed to supervise the job.

From the strking brick exterior to the gracious entrance hall, the huge open-plan living area and the lofty cathedral ceilings, the house is impressive. Add the list of chattels, which includes a home theatre system, full security system, staircase tread lighting, under-floor heating and modern kitchen appliances, and the home enters the extra special category.

The open-plan design is spectacular, because it extends to a wide viewing gallery above the formal dining area and large sunken lounge, where an open fireplace with recycled rimu surrounds is a special feature.

Bifold doors open from the dining area and games room to a beautiful, sheltered outdoor patio and barbecue area. The designer kitchen, with built-in appliances, is ideal for indoor-outdoor entertaining.

Three large bedrooms on the first level provide splendid accommodation for the young family. A second staircase leads to the master bedroom, which is superbly appointed with a large walk-in dressing, en suite with double vanity and shower and private balcony.

In total there are three bathrooms, four toilets, an office, large storage areas and a central laundry chute.

A spacious, self-contained flat, with its own outdoor access and internal access to the home, provides an ideal guest wing.

Other features include a cloakroom adjacent to the three-car garaging and a large workshop with roller doors for boat or vehicle storage.

The property, within a few minutes' drive of North Shore city, will be auctioned on September 1 by Harcourts, Milford. Contact Winston Kidd on 486 1029 for details.