Dairy Flat:From Guernsey, with love

A family travelled half way round the world to reach their dream home, and have improved it even more.

Bawden Road, Dairy Flat.

It was midnight in the Guernsey Islands when Caroline Morphy picked up the phone to hear her husband had discovered her ideal property - some 19,000km away in New Zealand.

``I'm standing in front of your dream home,'' he announced, admiring the 1880s villa resplendent before him, amidst the green paddocks of Dairy Flat.

Although Caroline had never been to NZ, four years ago husband Mark came over to check out the country as the couple wanted to emigrate from their compact 63sq km Guernsey isle. Caroline jokes, ``We wanted a bigger island to drive around on a Sunday afternoon.''

Just hours before he was due to fly home, Mark was exploring real estate north of Auckland and was charmed by the stately villa. Caroline was similarly entranced by its internet photos. So they negotiated an eight-month settlement, allowing time to pack up their household, daughter and two sons.

The couple came equipped with extensive renovating experience, having upgraded a previously derelict home that was without power or water. Thankfully their new Kiwi home was in much better condition, complemented by lofty battened ceilings, kauri floors, stained glass doors and oversized skirting boards.

With Caroline's mother planning a visit, the Morphys' first project was to build The Little House, a separate cottage with two bedrooms and a bathroom, attached to a double garage.

They then turned their focus on redecorating the villa's interior. Caroline steered clear of frills: ``We wanted to keep quite clean lines to show off the grace of the house.''

That graciousness is epitomised in the sweeping sitting room/library where a hearty fire crackles within a wooden surround, featuring bevelled mirror panels.

Colour choices have been inspired by Caroline's English heritage and Kiwi environment. The villa's long central hallway wears a subtle blue inspired by a favourite Denby jug, while the iron roof is the same blue as the New Zealand sky.

Previous owners had built a small extension at the rear of the original home, which the Morphys used as a starting point for several more rooms. This freed up rooms in the front of the house, with the hallway now flanked by four sizeable bedrooms (two with en suites), a bathroom, storage room and the enticing sitting room.

The hallway opens into the family's favourite summertime haunt, a stunning kitchen/dining room with distinctive gabled ceiling, opening onto outdoor living with a tranquil view.

The extensions include a walk-in pantry, another bedroom (currently used as a games room), laundry and an office with separate entry - a draw card for anyone wanting to run a business from home. Caroline proudly announces a Kiwi Bloke's Shed as she throws open the final door to reveal a handyman's dream workspace.

Outside are three fully-fenced fields adjacent to the land housing the villa, garden and diverse orchard. If the Morphys could just sprout a soccer pitch they might be here forever, as they are selling to lessen the time they spend every day commuting to their soccer-mad sons' practices.
``Soccer is a huge part of our lives at the moment,'' Caroline explains, adding that at least one son is hoping it will be his career.

In a home jam-packed with names (Bess-dog the Collie, cats Tum-Tum, Queenie, Pussy-Willow and Katy, Kunekune pigs Ronnie and GoodLord) it makes sense the Morphys have also named the villa.
``Lots of English houses have names. We've named this Sanctuary Villa, because it has been a quiet sanctuary for us.''

VITAL STATISTICS

BEDROOMS: 7

BATHROOMS: 4+

GARAGE: 2+

SIZE: Land 2.7 ha, buildings approx 317sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected well above 2005 CV of $950,000. Tenders close July 6.

INSPECT: By appointment.

ON THE WEB: www.bayleys.co.nz/180990

CONTACT: Lynnette Thomas or Graeme Mann, Bayleys, ph Lynette 021 758 680, 09 426 5911 bus; Graeme 0274 500 589, 09 426 5911 bus.

FEATURES: Magnificently updated 1880s villa with 5 bedrooms, grand sitting room/library, and an office ideally set up to work from home. Modern kitchen designed to capture the sun and maximise alfresco living. Includes separate cottage with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Set on 2.7ha of prime grazing land.