Albany: Pretty special

CEDRIC GRAY checks out an impressive property on the gentle slopes of a bush-clad ridge in Albany.

If their present address at 83 Wright Rd, Albany, is any indication, the new home planned by Jack and Sarah Hobbs will be something special.

Their 1.4ha property, which they hope to sell before moving next door to take up a fresh challenge, is one of the most picturesque in the Albany district. The three-bedroom home of about 280sq m has sweeping views to the north, the north-facing lawns and gardens flow to a pleasant backdrop of native bush, and a centrally situated, heated swimming pool enhances the indoor-outdoor living appeal.

The couple own a neighbouring, slightly larger, property on which they plan to build a new home.

"We have achieved so much over the years," says Sarah, "but we have never built a home of our own."

As one before the recent subdivision, the land occupies the gentle slopes of a bush-clad ridge, which extends from the Albany Scenic Reserve to within a few hundred metres of the new northern motorway.

The couple treasure the native bush - there are kahikatea, nikau palms, kauri and puriri - so much so that about 7000 trees and shrubs, mainly native, have been planted in the past 16 years.

Understandably, a few olive trees were included in the planting programme. Jack is widely known as Mr Olive Oil for his services to the olive oil industry, and a handful of mature olive trees grace the orchard immediately in front of the house.

It is a park-like setting, with the kidney-shaped pool, tropical palms and paved courtyard the focal point. The pool is immediately below the main living area of the house, which opens to a wide, covered deck - ideal for child supervision and outdoor entertaining.

The house has been extensively renovated on at least three occasions, but care has been taken to retain its original charm. A large, central kitchen shares the open-plan living and dining areas - and the views - the kitchen featuring corian benchtops, a neat breakfast bar and dinette, modern appliances and the same heart rimu flooring that extends to the sun-filled dining area.

A formal lounge is to the left of the entrance foyer; to the right is a large guest bedroom and adjacent bathroom. The lounge has an enclosed fireplace, a leadlight window to the main living room, and, along with most other rooms, it has attractive cedar window shutters.

The bedrooms are unusually large, the master bedroom enjoying a walk-in wardrobe, en suite and french door access to a private balcony. An office could be converted into a fourth bedroom.

A delightful, self-contained unit is attached to the house. Built on two levels, it has lovely bush views from the open-plan, downstairs kitchen and living area, and from the large upstairs bedroom. There are sheltered outdoor courtyards.

The property has two driveways to Wright Rd and ample parking.

The property is for sale through The Professionals, Albany, at an asking price of $900,000 plus. Contact Logan Gilbert on 415 6777 for details.