Country: Something special

Blessed with natural beauty, this property offers heaps of space and a fabulous family home set in an English garden setting. CEDRIC GRAY reports.

The stone gateway at the entrance to Gordon and Barbara Needham's property in Tuhimata Rd, Runciman, suggests that there is something special inside.

The sweeping driveway, which is lined with pin oaks about to shed their autumn colour, whets your appetite further.

We pause beneath a giant puriri tree to watch a native pigeon basking in the sun on a lower limb. Already the visit is rewarding.

The driveway passes a sheltered stable block, complete with tackroom and day yards. It's a neat set-up, with the stables facing a well-drained arena where the ponies receive their jumping tuition.

The ponies have the run of about 2ha of flat-to-rolling pasture. The 5.18ha property slopes gently to a spring-fed stream, which has been dammed to create a pleasant wetland area.

Wild ducks have made a small lake their playground, and the glorious stands of native bush on the northern boundary are a favoured habitat for birds.

The natural beauty of the property has been enhanced by the expansive lawns and gardens that surround the stylish, architecturally designed home.

Built about eight years ago, it's tailor-made for outdoor entertaining. The lawns, which were designed for ride-on mowing, are surrounded by colourful and contrasting trees and shrubs.

In many respects it is an English country garden setting. Barbara has studied photographs of English gardens in the books her airline captain husband brought back from his frequent flights to Britain.

The gardens are now easy care, says Gordon. All the hard work has been done.

The gardens, however, have never been allowed to intrude on the lovely views to the north. They focus on the in-ground swimming pool to the left of the house and a sealed tennis court on the right. Flowering and weeping cherry trees shelter a cosy courtyard and barbecue area.

The 335sq m, two-level house was designed by Auckland architect Morton Jordan. The interior features sloping Douglas Fir sarked ceilings, most of which extend to the upper level along with the striking internal brick walls - a feature of the construction.

The ground floor includes an open-plan living area and family room, a well-appointed kitchen, a small formal lounge and a television snug, which enjoys direct access to the courtyard. There are two double bedrooms, a central bathroom and a large laundry.

A rimu staircase leads to the upper level where a large, open area has views of the ground floor. There are three bedrooms, a small TV lounge and a large study. The master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and opens to a small balcony.

Double garaging and a workshop are attached to the house, and there is a substantial, 93sq m-plus machinery shed nearby.

The property is for sale through Bayleys, Papakura, at an asking price of $795,000. Contact Rex Gazzard on 298 2525 for further details.