Country: Parisian chic

By VICKI HOLDER

Fond memories of three years living on the outskirts of Paris were close to their hearts when the Vercoe family returned to New Zealand.

At that stage, the plans for their new home in Karaka were just on the drawing board. As soon as they saw the design, Sue and John were struck by the property's similarity to the French homes they knew.

The chance to relive the romance of France was too much to resist. "That's why we bought here," jokes Sue. In truth, it was as much the idyllic, quiet and safe country setting as the design of the house that lured them away from the city.

Down a gated, private country lane, the French colonial-style home – set in large, park-like grounds – rubs shoulders with nine other impressive properties, all with government valuations in excess of $1 million.

There's a privileged atmosphere to the tree-lined street. Grand, two-storey homes gaze out from behind low fences, complementing one another from their beautifully landscaped gardens.

All the neighbours get on well in the cosy environment, often getting together for street parties. They share the shade houses on the land that runs behind the properties. Leased to a grower, the Vercoes say it pays the rates and provides them with vegetables all year round.

Only those who know the code to the electronic entry gate can drive into the lane. Children can wander across the street, safely visiting neighbouring properties. In such an environment, there aren't the usual fears and restrictions most people accept as part of modern living. It's a luxury these days to be able to park your car on the street and not worry about leaving the keys in the ignition. Not that the Vercoes need to park their car on the street. There's ample parking in the double garage at their home, La Maison Rose.

Completed five years ago, the house is as pretty as a picture. Facing north from the centre of the property, it enjoys the sun all day. Pink and white roses and rotund robinia mop-tops flourish in the flower beds behind low hedges lining the broad, brick-paved driveway.

Blue wooden shutters add a rustic touch around front windows. But the impression when visitors step inside is of traditional elegance. Heavy timber doors open to a big, formal entertaining space, where dining is to one side and sitting to the other.

Both areas link to the kitchen and family living area beyond through a study and library.

Stone-look-alike tiles sweep through the big, white kitchen to the family living room. Sue says the kitchen is wonderful to cook in, with its island sinks, enormous granite benches and places for everything. Small appliances are conveniently hidden away in an above-the-bench pantry.

The living room opens through french doors to the salt-water, heated swimming pool and outdoor entertaining courtyard, which is sheltered behind a pergola entwined with pink clematis. Prim squares of lobelia hedging tame the exuberant growth of the white roses and lavender in spring.

Two exceptionally large bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes open through french doors to the pool and a petanque court, true to the French provincial theme. A third big bedroom overlooks the rear garden.

Upstairs, the master bedroom has enough space for a full lounge setting. The vast, fully tiled en suite has a bidet, a shower and a triangular bath. Sue does her sewing beneath the window in a corner of her huge dressing room.

Handy to the motorway and just a 20-minute drive to the city, the property offers an easy, country lifestyle. It's just around the corner from the Karaka Bloodstock Centre and Strathallan College, Auckland's newest exclusive co-educational school.

Vital statistics:

Address: La Maison Rose, Stoney Bridge Lane, 119 Hingaia Rd, Karaka Park.

Features: French colonial-style home on large grounds in private, lane; four large
bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes; two bathrooms; study; library; formal and family rooms; double garage; all tiled areas with under-floor gas heating; central vac system; security alarm and security lighting system; 9m gas-heated swimming pool; petanque court.

Size: Land area 1 ha.

Price: $1.1 million (CV $1.075 million).

Agent: Mike Butler, Barfoot & Thompson, Papakura. Ph 298 8029 bus; 298 0671 ah; 025 946 064 mob.