The home is distinctive, sitting in a quiet, elevated position on the eastern slopes of Thames.
Adding to that appealing first impression is the knowledge that it is a builder's own home, built by none other than John "Cocksy" Cocks, perhaps one of the best known chippies in New Zealand thanks to his television appearances on My House, My Castle.
Cocksy designed and built this urban townhouse in the late 90s using distinctive Zincalume for the cladding, black-stained cedar weatherboards on the sides, and low-maintenance ColorSteel for the roof. The celebrity builder later sold it to a couple who then sold it to Gary and Heather Gooding in 2004.
The Goodings were charmed by the clean lines of this modern split-level build with its "snapshot" views over the Firth of Thames, perfectly positioned for show-and-tell colourful sunsets.
"The house is basically two, two-storey segments slightly offset so there are, in fact, four separate levels," says Gary. The bottom floor houses the office (which the Goodings have used as a home gym and sauna) with both internal and external access, and two bedrooms serviced by their own bathroom and garden access.
On the second floor is the main entrance, kitchen, dining room and the main access to large decks. On the third floor is the garage, toilet, second bathroom and laundry with outside access. And, on the top floor, enjoying the most expansive views, is a west-facing lounge and the couple's master bedroom and en suite.
Gary says the home has worked well for them, so much so that he would like to take it with them - or find its spitting image - when he semi-retires and he and Heather shift to Hawkes Bay.
"It is a home that really suits us. The living areas are all interconnected and open-plan but in a way that still gives privacy in certain areas - perhaps because of level differences - and, with the outdoor flow, it is a very easy house to live in."
Design bonuses are the reasonably large decking with low-care plants that give a lot of privacy to this area.
Any foodie or entertainer will appreciate the designer kitchen's practical layout, timber benchtops, double DishDrawers, double wall oven, microwave, waste disposal, gas hobs, built-in bar fridge, step-in pantry and plenty of storage.
Image 1 of 6: 201 The Terrace, Thames
The garden, in keeping with the interior, is minimalistic, with the mainly mature natives accentuating the home's clean lines.
Gary imagines this home would appeal to families with growing children or couples whose older children have left home. The Thames area offers a great outdoor lifestyle with plenty of walking and cycling trails and fishing spots.
"If we can find something like this in Napier, we'll be very happy," Gary says. "I would take this with me if I could!"
