Kumeu: Peace and charm

It's private, set in the ultimate rural environment and oh so quiet. By CEDRIC GRAY.

It'S a wet - very wet - morning, and Lou Taylor is gazing from the comfort of his stylish Waimauku home at a handful of cattle grazing the gentle slopes at his 14.2ha property in Zanders Rd.

"I'm no farmer," he says without a hint of guilt. Those more dedicated to the land might suggest he could increase the stock rate three-fold.

But the "no farmer" comment is a throw-away line. Lou and his wife, Libby, have other attributes. They know something about quality and style, and about home design. They know more than most, too, about trees and landscaping - and building an eye-catching family home and creating an environment of peace and charm. "I'm a tree buff,"says Lou with much more conviction. Woodvale Farm, a former dairy farm, is in Ararimu Valley, a 15-minute drive from the Kumeu township. The Riverhead forest, with its horse-trekking trails, and the Westbrook winery are neighbours.

The magnificent five-bedroom home was built six years ago on a site deep into the property to ensure peace and tranquillity. It commands views to every corner of the grazing land, and is surrounded by lawns and extensive tree planting.

But the trees will never be allowed to intrude. They have been planted well away from the house. "We didn't want to clear leaves from the guttering forever and a day," says Lou. This leaves room for a tennis court, perhaps a swimming pool, for future development. The trees are a glorious mix of natives (in a sheltered corner) and exotics.

The 500sq m home overlooks a chain of freshwater ponds, which are much used by the Taylor family and friends for swimming and kayaking. The grounds have been the venue for wedding receptions and the Taylors have hosted overseas homestay guests.

"The Japanese especially love the feel of the grass between their toes," says Libby. "They love the outdoors at night when they can gaze at the stars."

The house, which the Taylors designed, is tailor-made for entertaining. Facing north, it is warm and sunny. It has a superb kitchen and a lovely flow to the generous family living, formal dining and formal lounge areas.

The flooring is attractive Australian spotted gum, and there are wide windows, bifold door and window access to outdoor entertaining, and sensored skylights.

A large studio (with balcony) is above the three-car garage, and in the accommodation wing on the ground floor, two of the bedrooms open to a central bathroom and separate toilet. There is a deluxe master bedroom and a gracious guest room, complete with en suite. All the bedrooms have outdoor access. An office is handy to all amenities.

The property is divided into six well-fenced paddocks, with ample stock water and shelter. It would provide ideal horse grazing. An orchard, established five years ago and carefully managed, is nearing full production.

The property is for sale by tender, which closes with Norwest Real Estate, Kumeu, on March 11. For more details contact Frances Beets, ph 412 8876 or 021 412 946.