Karaka: Paradise found

CHARLOTTE COSSAR visits an exceptional property that will appeal to horse-lovers and those seeking solitude alike.

Residing in the middle of horse country and in a Tuscan-inspired manor away from the daily grind of city life is a lifestyle many of us can only dream of.

To a select few, however, this idyllic existence is reality, albeit the result of 16 years of refining and revamping a stunning Karaka property to meet the needs of a growing family and a horse-breeding operation.

Tony and Val Dickinson, who own this exceptional property on Windmill Ln - off Kidd Rd, among a small enclave of other prestigious homes - bought the 4.3ha property in 1986 on a very cold wet day.

Val says they knew they had found something special but with five children in tow, it soon became obvious that changes were needed to house everyone comfortably.

"There was a Cape Cod house on the land plus a stable block, a few fences and trees. At the time we had five children to accommodate, so we had to build a garage very quickly with a large room over top."

Sufficing while the children grew up, four years ago when they had all "flown the nest", the couple decided to build a new home just for them. "Well, we looked for land and nothing compared with where we were, so down came the house, the garage was moved to a back paddock, it was lined, a kitchen and bathroom and washtub put in, and this was our home for the next six months," says Val.

An Italian-inspired villa complete with swimming pool and exquisitely landscaped surrounds is the spectacular result of doing without a few home comforts for this short period.

The home is as striking as the gorgeous sunsets visible from almost every window, and in a similar rich colour with contrasting black joinery and black wrought-iron balconies, it stands out in its commanding position on the top of the hill.

The Dickinsons, who own a joinery business in Manukau, were in the enviable position of knowing many builders, making a job that is often daunting a more enjoyable experience. "We were able to choose a builder that would do the job to our satisfaction. I drove around with the builder for quite some time choosing different styles and ideas and then came up with the end product," says Val.

And the collaborated effort of all concerned is very evident in the four-year-old, two-storey home designed to make country life the obvious choice for discerning buyers wanting luxury and space.

Through heavy timber doors, oak floors sweep along the grand entrance that leads guests to the public areas of the house. A sitting room is the perfect respite on a cold winter's night when the fireplace is roaring, and a gourmet kitchen hosting an array of stainless-steel appliances, copious amounts of cabinetry and large benchtops makes entertaining a dream. A formal area caters for more intimate dining, and completing this level are a bedroom, powder room and laundry. While upstairs is more of a private domain, it is adequately laid out to accommodate two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a cosy library, which, according to Val, is Tony's favourite spot.

Being north-facing and elevated, it is no wonder the world stands still when you look at the vista on offer through every window of the house. "We have spectacular views overlooking the Manukau Harbour through to Sky Tower - from Manukau Heads we have 360-degree views."

However, there is more to this property than the house. The Dickinsons run an exclusive standard-bred horse operation, which was why Tony bought this property all those years ago. At the time, he only had two horses. Now, they have lost count.

There are six paddocks, six stables and a presentation area. The paddocks are all post and rail and hot-wired and, in keeping with the main dwelling, painted black.

Also on the property is the original garage, which served them well while waiting for the house to be completed. Now a lovely self-contained cottage, Val says it has been used rent-free by family wanting to save money.

Backing onto Westbury Stud and close to local private and public schools, this rural retreat in the heart of horse country only 10 minutes from the motorway is a true piece of paradise.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 104D Kidd Rd, Karaka.

FEATURES: Italian-inspired four-year-old home with 360-degree views looking to Manukau Harbour, the city and rural land; two levels; three double bedrooms; separate dining; gourmet kitchen with reticulated gas; library; three bathrooms; polished floorboards; open fireplace; self-contained guest cottage; swimming pool complete with Italian furniture; six paddocks; six stables; presentation area.

SIZE: Land area 4.3ha.

AUCTION: 2pm, July 8, at Chancery, level 4, 50 Kitchener St, Auckland city.

AGENT: Cherry Cooper, Barfoot & Thompson, Papakura. Ph 298 8029 bus; 232 0000 ah; 021 955 141 mob.