Coatesville: Luxury on tap

A modern home with traditional elements, this family retreat is all about comfortable yet stylish living, writes VICKI HOLDER.

Tired of the frenzied pace of working in the financial markets, an English couple escaped to live the peaceful country life in New Zealand.

Settling in Coatesville two years ago, they began a love affair with the wide, open, green spaces. As the children went off to great schools, they were quickly integrated into the friendly community. Best of all, they appreciated the feeling of safety they gained, which really hit home as they had lost many friends in the September 11 tragedy.

After restoring a grand old 23-room mansion in Cambridge, they weren't prepared to forgo the kind of traditional living environment for which Britain is known. Starting with a beautiful, yet manageable, 2ha property on an elevated spot overlooking the rolling hills to Coatesville Heights and Riverhead Forest, they called in architect John d'Anvers.

"We wanted a modern home that retained a sense of tradition," they say. "That's why we chose the weatherboards. Although it has big spaces, it doesn't feel cavernous. It feels like a home."

The timeless architecture is beautifully detailed with deep skirtings and architraves and quality everywhere. It shows itself in minor aspects, such as the solid brass door handles and doors hung with solid brass hinges.

Above all, this is a true New Zealand home offering an easy flow between the indoors and out. Vast living areas on the sunny northern aspect roll outside to enormous terraces through a parade of french doors. These outdoor rooms can be enjoyed come rain or shine. An outdoor fireplace, back to back with another in the family room, lets the family dine comfortably alfresco at night.

The children come home from school, head straight through the house and run down the steps to splash in the large, diesel-heated swimming pool. The arrangement works extremely well, says the owner. She can stand in the kitchen, enjoy a coffee with a friend and keep an eye on the children as they play.

Centrally located behind the double-height entry foyer, the kitchen is part of a bigger family area, and the two are divided by a sweeping black granite bench. There's formal dining between the family space and the formal lounge. But the benchtop is a great place to line up and feed lots of children, says the owner.

She designed the kitchen so that she can pull into the three-car garage and stash the groceries in a walk-through pantry that opens into the kitchen. A crockery pantry at the other end has no door, so she can reach for plates without any obstructions.

The kitchen cabinetry is swamp kauri and the same richly grained timber is used on the vanities in the bathrooms. Jarrah flooring in the casual living areas and interior window joinery adds warmth and traditional character. The tiled areas, including the foyer and bathrooms, feature under-floor heating, while fireplaces in the formal and family living areas enhance the cosy ambience.

Behind the main living areas, a warm, red home theatre invites the family to hunker down in the evenings, and a big study is well-located off the formal lounge. Living areas are abundant in this home. When the parents entertain, the children can romp upstairs in the huge playroom, which is equipped with beds, sofas and desks for homework.

A gym instructor in England, the owner has incorporated a gym and bathroom in a separate room at the end of the living area. The less energetic might want to convert the area to a guest suite, although with five bedrooms and three bathrooms upstairs, there's already plenty of choice.

The upstairs bedrooms look out from balconies to distant horizons. All are decorated with beautiful window treatments in English fabrics. The children's and guest rooms have colour-coded fitted wardrobes and the master features a large dressing room with timber shelving.

Surrounded by easy-care, landscaped gardens, this huge traditional home - the ultimate in luxury, comfort and convenience - leaves nothing for the new owners to do but move in and enjoy.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: McGiven Plc, Coatesville.

FEATURES: New John d'Anvers-designed traditional home on small lifestyle block with views; adjoins other negotiable pieces of property; formal and family areas open to huge covered terraces; 15m pool; study; gym with en suite; home theatre; three-car garaging with internal access to kitchen and laundry; five bedrooms plus playroom; kwila flooring and window joinery inside; anodised aluminium on exterior; four and a half bathrooms; bore water; lighting from ECC; exterior lighting under eaves and on steps from terrace.

SIZE: Land area 2.08ha; floor area 571sq m plus decks.

PRICE: $3 million.

AGENT: Chris Wiley, Premium Real Estate, Takapuna. Ph 445 8824 ah; 021 887 066 mob.