SCHOOL ZONES:
Gulf Harbour Primary and Whangaparaoa College.
CONTACT:
Karen Franklin, Harcourts, 021 779 838.
Just on a year ago, Shaun and Sarah Adams left their St Heliers home to try a new kind of lifestyle with daughter Bella, 13, and son Sebastian, 11, in a sprawling weatherboard property set on a 4355sq m site on the Hibiscus Coast.
"We'd been thinking about making the move for a while and when this house appeared on the market, we came to see it straight away," says Sarah. "The black and white colour scheme of the exterior looked so crisp and cool against the surrounding green lawn. We fell in love with it."
The 344sq m house, built in 2011, is still in impeccable, as-new condition, with loads of space for any kind of family living arrangement in a generous three-wing single-level layout. The three pavilions are linked by glass hallways.
"It certainly suits a family of our age and stage," Sarah says. "The way that we've used it is to have the two kids in their own wing where they have a living area and bathroom. They've enjoyed feeling independent."
Shaun and Sarah's wing contains the master suite with bathroom and walk-in-wardrobe, plus their own private deck. The four-car internal-access garage has been a huge boon to the Adams family, who used two of the spaces for snooker and table tennis.
"We can all get a bit competitive when we're playing together, but of course it's all in fun."
Largely north-facing but with windows on the east and west too, the house is warm in winter -- when the fire is rarely needed -- and with excellent cross-ventilation, it's cool in summer.
"The double-glazing is very effective, too," says Sarah.
Image 1 of 6: Within walking distance of Gulf Harbour shops and marina, this home is superbly situated.
In the main living area cedar barn doors, made by a previous owner's stepfather, exude a relaxing, homely vibe. Sarah has enjoyed producing tasty meals in the modern granite kitchen, which has a slightly French country flavour.
"The range is fantastic, with gas hobs, two ovens and a separate grill."
Shaun works in the city and has enjoyed his ferry rides to and from the office during their time here, while Sarah quickly set about developing the garden. She's rightly proud of what she's achieved in a relatively short time.
In keeping with the colours of the house she planted lots of white hydrangeas, gardenias and jasmine and says that in summer the perfume is wonderful. Shaun tidies the lawns on weekends atop his ride-on mower.
Outdoor patio and decking areas are ideal for entertaining and the garage would lend itself to large parties in any sort of weather.
Within walking distance of the Gulf Harbour shops and marina, the property is superbly situated, with good schools nearby. "It wasn't until we moved here that we discovered there are 15 beaches on Whangaparaoa Peninsula so we've been truly spoilt for choice over summer."
Despite having greatly enjoyed their foray into country life, the Adams children found they really missed their city friends and after an open, honest family summit, a return to Auckland is now on the cards.
