Karaka: Another world

CEDRIC GRAY visits an impressive country retreat where relaxing is the name of the game.

It may be only five years old, but this striking colonial-style home and its classic surroundings look as though they have been part of the South Auckland landscape for much longer.

Whakataa, a 4.999ha property at 529 Linwood Rd, Karaka, could be described as cool. The driveway - lined on both sides by flowering magnolias - the expansive lawns with a variety of trees and shrubs and the beautiful ornamental lagoon create a relaxed atmosphere a mere 8km from the southern motorway. A visit to Whakataa is like taking a step into another world.

The location has justifiably been described as five star. It is close to Strathallan College, two primary schools and the New Zealand Bloodstock Centre. There are several sports and cultural clubs in the region, and the Westbury stud - owned by millionaire businessman Eric Watson - is just down the road.

The gently rolling land at Whakataa is ideal for dry stock grazing. It is divided into four paddocks in excellent pasture and with ample water. With little effort, the property could be turned into a horse-breeding centre.

The lawns and gardens are magnificent. With the lagoon a central focal point - complete with fountain, summer house and landscaping - the lawns flow to a corner vegetable garden and orchard, and extend to post-and-rail fencing where rambling roses are about to burst into bloom.

A beautiful stand of native bush, which includes kauri, rimu and nikau palms, occupies a corner of the property below the house. The bush is home to a wide variety of birdlife.

The 302sq m house is an entertainer's delight, and the plaster ceilings to a height of 2.7m and tiled floors throughout are impressive features of the interior.

It occupies a slightly elevated central site with glorious views to the south-east. The designer kitchen captures the best of these views. Off to the side of the family dining area, it features granite benchtops, the latest appliances and stylish bifolds opening to a sheltered outdoor entertaining patio.

Built on one level, the Hinuera stone house also features a spacious formal lounge and dining room, which is warmed in winter by a large gas fire. The lounge has access through french doors to its own patio.

There are four spacious bedrooms, with the elegant master suite enjoying a stylish en suite and walk-in wardrobe. The other three bedrooms have french door access to the outdoors and share a central bathroom and separate toilet.

The internal-access, two-car garage houses the laundry and an extra toilet and basin.

The tender closes with Barfoot & Thompson, Papakura, on November 14. Contact Mike Butler on 298 8029 for details.