Country: A foreign affair

CEDRIC GRAY visits a magnificent home with exotic flare cutting a fine form on the boundary of Riverhead Forest.

The house came close to being an award winner, and with a little effort the property of just over 2ha touching the north-western boundary of Riverhead Forest above Kumeu, in West Auckland, could become one of the region's show pieces.

A prominent Auckland firm of landscape architects has already designed lawns, gardens, an outdoor gazebo, a waterwheel and walkways to transform the rolling pasture, which is sandwiched between the forest and regenerating native bush.

The house was a regional finalist in the over $500,000 section in last year's Auckland House of the Year competition.

Built by Shane Cunliffe and Lisa Rademacher 18 months ago, it commands majestic views over the townships of Huapai and Kumeu towards the west coast beaches.

"Pure luck," is how Shane describes how the couple located their rural hideaway at the end of Pinestone Rd. "We were looking for a property with a view, and we certainly found it," he says. "Here, the sunsets are remarkable."

The two-storey house of 390 sq m, including 86m of decking, has a distinct international flavour. The exterior soft-toned bricks were made in Western Australia, heating in the family areas is provided by a South African ceramic bush oven (now made in Albany), Italian tiles are widely used throughout, there is a tropical aquatic theme in the central bathroom, and polished New Zealand hardwood highlights the kitchen linings and fittings.

Custom-made leadlight windows are features of the front downstairs entrance and above the french doors giving access to a large formal lounge. A beautifully appointed designer kitchen serves the lounge and two smaller family areas. Also featured are two downstairs bedrooms, a large laundry and a double garage.

Two double bedrooms share the first level with a nook or small lounge. The master bedroom has a private balcony, en suite and walk-in wardrobe.

Also, there is a well-appointed, self-contained cottage of one bedroom on the property.

The property, which carries a CV of $625,000, will be auctioned on July 11 through Bayleys, West Harbour. For more details, phone Shona Jurlina on 416 7788.