Mahurangi East: Modern mansion

It may look like an old place, but this grand dame of a home is one very impressive new kid on the block. By VICKI HOLDER.

THE call that changed everything came when they were on holiday in New Zealand three years ago. Mark and Deborah Olver, who lived in the US, were planning to build a modular home over there. But when they heard the astronomical price of what it would cost to put it all together, they were tempted to check out property in New Zealand.

On a day trip to Warkworth, they wandered past a real estate agent's office. "And before we knew it," says Deborah, "we wound up here on Ridge Rd." They took one look at the magnificent property, just an hour north of Auckland, and fell in love. "I saw the kauri and Mark saw the water. Then we put an offer in and surprised ourselves when we bought it." After returning to the US to sell their other home, they were soon back ready to build afresh in Mahurangi.

Inspired by the expansive outlook across a strip of native bush to the harbour and Warkworth, they decided to replicate one of the many grand colonial homes they had seen in Herne Bay, built around the 1860s. Deborah was originally from New Zealand and always loved this elegant, traditional style. As Mark was a builder for about 20 years in the US, he confidently put together a floorplan, which a draftsman interpreted as a blueprint for the design.

Although the home was only completed two years ago, it has all the grace and features typical of a much older home. Shady, wrap-around verandas, ornate white fretwork and balustrades give it a convincing period look.

Inside, the colonial style continues in architraves, skirtings and mouldings made from a traditional pattern. "We tried to keep as much looking authentic as we could. All the internal doors are wooden with four panels, the floors are rimu and the two fireplaces have timber surrounds. The stained glass in the door leading from the kitchen to the hallway has the small floral print that you see in older glass," says Mark.

Equipped with modern DeLonghi, Ariston and Fisher & Paykel appliances, the kitchen suggests quiet country charm in American cherrywood cabinetry with little glass-panelled cupboards above the black granite bench.

To contrast with the timber, the soft, pretty colours include deep purple in the dining room, a buttery kitchen, apricot in the master bedroom and different shades of mauve in other rooms.

At 10ft tall, the ceilings are not quite as high as an original colonial mansion might be and most of the rooms aren't enormous, except for the master bedroom and bathrooms which are exceptionally big. On the upper level, the master bedroom has a huge walk-through dressing room on the way to the en suite. It also gains a beautiful view across the water through french doors to the veranda.

Most of the living areas and three bedrooms are on the upstairs level, because the views from up high are sensational. The lounge and kitchen have stunning water vistas. Doors from the formal dining room step out to a patio where there is an outdoor fireplace and barbecue under a pergola. The Olvers entertain a lot in this sheltered area away from the winds. And when the evenings become cooler, they simply light the fire. A clear awning can slide across the pergola if rain threatens.

The downstairs level is devoted to garaging and comfortable self-contained living for guests. As well as a kitchenette and bathroom, a lounge and bedroom have bifolding doors between them so they can be used as one large room or two separate areas.

The property caters well for the Olvers' laid-back lifestyle in New Zealand. They have developed beautiful gardens and sweeping lawns around the house. They love to walk through the native bush to the jetty on the beach where they have a dinghy that takes them out to their boat moored in the bay.

They say the best thing about the property is its privacy. Well off the road, they are tucked behind a hill, surrounded by farmland with an old church and cemetery right behind the house. "No-one can see us but we have an absolutely perfect northerly aspect," they say.

Complementing its outstanding position on the cliff, this modern mansion is one of the finest homes to be found on the peninsula. With abundant wineries and recreational activities close by, it's a magical waterfront retreat.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 359 Ridge Rd, Mahurangi East, Rodney North.

FEATURES: Two-year-old, colonial-style mansion with views of Mahurangi Harbour and Warkworth; landscaped property with easement to the water; four-car garaging; self-contained guest wing and entrance hall on lower level; upper level contains master bedroom with en suite and walk-in dressing room plus two bedrooms and a bathroom; lounge and kitchen with breakfast bar face stunning water views; formal dining opens to rustic outdoor entertainment area; native bush protects from southerly winds; jetty with mooring in front.

SIZE: Land area 10,726sq m, floor area 353sq m.

AUCTION: 2pm, February 8, on site.

AGENTS: Ben and Nola Kloppers, Broadbents Harveys, Warkworth. Ph 09 425 8589 bus; Ben 0274 922 266 mob; Nola 0272 509 896 mob.