Waiau Pa: Countryside calm

Here's an impressive property that offers top-class rural living and the city within easy reach, as VICKI HOLDER reports.

Tired of the high-powered international business roller-coaster, an English couple working in Geneva sat back and asked themselves: "What if ... ?"

Unlike others, they didn't just fantasise. Stephen and Sharon Roffey put an action plan together and began to look for their perfect living environment.

With no ties, they could select anywhere in the world and New Zealand appealed. Before they settled, they took time to travel the length and breadth of the country in search of their location.

They had in mind a pristine, brand new home on a big property that wasn't too remote, where they could build a pool to create a resort-like atmosphere.

Finally, three years ago, they found a place that fitted the bill. Sandford House, in Village Fields, is part of an exclusive residential cul-de-sac of 23 homes at Waiau Pa in Franklin. Just 40km south of Auckland's CBD, it was close enough to city life for them. Yet immersed in the unhurried countryside calm, it was the classic stuff of dreams and the antithesis of the world the couple knew.

Cows were grazing in the paddock behind the house and in the distance you could see a little, white, weatherboard church. Like all the other properties in the development, this was fully landscaped. Even more enchanting, a large pond bordered by lush planting extended into an adjacent property. Behind a black post-and-rail fence, the two properties spilled over with a mix of tropical palms, native bushes and grasses and succulents interspersed with natural boulders.

The two-storey, luxury home had won second place in its category in the New Zealand Master Builders' Federation House of the Year Competition for Auckland last year. Loaded with street appeal, its sandy-painted brick walls were neatly detailed at the corners with Hinuera stone. Stephen and Sharon reckoned they had discovered bliss.

They bought both adjoining properties, and though they were delighted with their purchase they proceeded to enhance what was already there.

The Roffeys have built a magnificent 12m by 6m, salt-water, treated, heated swimming pool and cabana, which are surrounded by terracing and fences extending north from the formal living area. Using the same landscaper responsible for the other homes in the development, the couple have added privacy and more easy-care planting. An automatic garden irrigation system with sprinklers saves on endless work.

To cut back the glare in the living area, they have installed roll-down awnings above the french doors on the pool-side of the terrace.

Although it is a quiet, rural street, they have added electric security gates with an intercom system at the entry.

The house is set off by cobblestone paving that sweeps along a driveway, taking cars straight into the double garage and guests through an arched porch to the foyer.

Rustic, Italian honed tiles flow from the entry foyer into the family area, which the Roffeys have made cosier with an electric fire in a traditional surround. Adjoining the smart tongue-and-groove-style kitchen with modern appliances across a breakfast bar, the family room reaches outdoors beneath a pergola, which is just the place for sunny alfresco dining.

Formal dinners are enjoyed in a separate room off the foyer. With a double wardrobe, the area could be used as a study or fifth bedroom. It links to a bathroom next door, which is also accessed via a passage from the family room.

A big formal lounge on the other side of the kitchen is warmed by another electric wall fire, and french doors lead straight out to the pool.

Upstairs, four bedrooms, which are beautifully detailed with rimu trims around the doors and windows, look out to peaceful country views. The master bedroom opens to a private library and has its own walk-in dressing room and en suite.

It's easy to fall in love with this well-designed home in its inspiring setting. It's a five-minute walk to the schools and stores, and the beaches, yacht clubs and golf course are nearby. However, business draws the Roffeys elsewhere and the property invites new owners to enjoy city living at country prices.

Vital statistics:

ADDRESS: Sandford House, 28 Village Fields, Waiau Pa, Franklin.

FEATURES: Award-winning home on large, landscaped property; adjoining section ready for development; five bedrooms or four plus study/dining room; master bedroom with sitting area, dressing room and en suite; three bathrooms including en suite; two living areas; separate laundry; internal-access double garage; swimming pool with features; pool-house; electric security gate and intercom; bio-cycle sewage system.

SIZE: Land area 2514sq m plus 2500sq m section opposite pond; floor area 270sq m.

AUCTION: On site at 2pm, August 3.

AGENT: Hank Vankuyk, Harcourts Blue Chip Realty. Ph 09 238 4244 bus; 09 236 3147 ah; 021 501 743 mob.