Kumeu: Speaking of quality

The impressive level of detail makes this exceptional property a horse-lover's paradise, writes VICKI HOLDER.

As equestrian properties go, Wynyard Park in Kumeu rates right up there with the finest.

During the 10 years they've owned the land, Lisa and Doug Blackbourn have built magnificent facilities that are used and admired by local and international trainers. Now, just a year after completing a luxury home to do the property justice, chiropractor Doug has itchy feet. He's decided he wants to live at the beach house, so the Blackbourns are on the move again.

Lisa bemoans his change of heart, as it took them two years to complete this large, beautiful home. It's so big that the finishing touches are still being made. The level of detail is rare. Both the exterior and interior are lavished with natural stone and timber, much of which was hand-crafted to suit the home's mammoth dimensions. It was not a cheap exercise either, but it helped that Lisa's dad, Lew Loane, was their builder.

The couple wanted a grand home that would stand the test of time. Although they had an architect draw up a concept, they altered and enlarged it to give them enormous spaces suitable for family living and entertaining.

Sited to the rear of the property, the two-level home in Australian convict brick band sawn timber has a commanding presence as you slip through the electric gate and head along the drive. Spreading out across the lush green lawn, it is reminiscent of Southfork, the home in the legendary 1980s American TV soap Dallas, with more than 16 fully fenced and watered paddocks lined up in front, all with individual access.

The substantial four-car garaging behind the house links internally through a vast, farmhouse-style laundry equipped with a giant capacity Maytag washing machine and dryer. Cedar entry doors invite visitors into the warmth of a double-height tiled foyer and stairwell where subtle lighting and underfloor heating immediately feels welcoming.

The interiors speak of quality, quietly understated in soft, calming, natural colours. Windows are beautifully detailed with Alti cedar joinery, and cedar continues along the hallway in the tongue-and-groove dado. All the doors are cedar, too.

The living areas splay out from a huge French Provincial-style kitchen, which opens to the sun. French doors open to outdoor living terraces. Lisa can stand behind the massive, curved, granite bench and breakfast bar and look out to the trees planted around the property.

The kitchen appliances are Fisher & Paykel, including the DishDrawers on either side of the sinks and a double oven with gas hobs behind. The tall cabinetry features a rustic wash of pale green fitted with pewter handles. The bathroom vanities continue the timber and granite theme.

At Christmas the Blackbourns entertained a 40-strong crowd with tables lined up in front of the kitchen. Friends and family could move comfortably between the lounge in front and the casual sitting area to one side.

Downstairs, a guest wing treats visitors to a sitting area opening to the deck. The bedroom has an ample fitted dressing room as well as a marble en suite. Other rooms on this level include a study with computer and phone connections, a full bathroom and a gym or fifth bedroom opening to the deck.

The enormous master bedroom upstairs echoes the curve of the bay in the living area below. With a large en suite and dressing room, it opens to a deck connected to two more bedrooms that share a family bathroom.

Plumbed for a kitchen and bathroom, a large cavity above the garage was never completed. If new owners wanted to install another self-contained suite for teenagers or a nanny, it's ready to go.

The timber stables next door are built to the same high standard as the main house, with a garage and tool shed, hay storage, a laundry and saddlery, three stalls, a tack and a feed room, as well as a covered outside area for horses.

Behind the house, there are more storage buildings, an implement shed and a participants' lounge. A full Olympic-size dressage arena has a rubber surface made of old car tyres that is soft underfoot for the horses.

A minute's drive from Kumeu, Wynyard Park is a rare property combining an exceptional lifestyle with an immaculate, as-new, luxury home.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: Wynyard Park, 645 S-Way 16, Kumeu.

FEATURES: As-new quality home and stable block on lifestyle property; 16 watered paddocks; house has four living areas; open-plan area with french doors to decks steps down to formal lounge with fireplace and family lounge wired for home cinema plus guest lounge; four bedrooms, including guest wing plus gym or fifth bedroom; four large bathrooms, including two en suites; underfloor heating in tiled areas; four-car garaging; stables with three horse stalls, garage, tack and feed rooms and laundry; implement sheds; participants' lounge; Olympic-size dressage arena.

SIZE: Land area 4.9ha; floor area 735sq m.

INTERNATIONAL TENDER CLOSES: 4pm, July 2.

AGENT: Alan Jenkins, Impact Realty. Ph 445 4005 bus; 021 909 276 mob.


perty a horse-lover's paradise, writes VICKI HOLDER.