Waimauku: Room to move

This good-sized masonry home takes pride of place in a spectacular location. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

'Positioned in the hub of the house, the living areas are a sight to behold. A bay window with 180-degree rural views forms the focal point for a lounge area, while at the other end of the room, a gas fireplace warms the entire room.'

Lifestyle is everything and what could be better than living in a stunning new masonry home perched on a hill overlooking rolling pasture with views out to Barrier and the Coromandel.

That was the attraction for the owners of this home - Mike Bell and Christine Hoffman - when they purchased this property about four years ago.

Mike, a bricklayer with more than 27 years experience in the trade, knew exactly the home he wanted to build on one of the many ideal sites of the large piece of land in Peak Rd, Waimauku.

Minutes away from Helensville Golf Course and perfectly positioned between large farms on surrounding properties, Mike was determined to build a decent-sized masonry home.

Elevated for exceptional views, the home took about nine months to complete. And now, what prevails is a large family home with oodles of room for everyone, a separate double garage and masonry implement shed that is actually permitted for stables.

Graced with a high 3m stud - a must, according to Mike - the home is divided into two wings off the a large atrium-style entrance. With each wing being able to be closed off, the house works perfectly with a master suite and formal room - albeit one that can be used for a multitude of uses on one side, and four bedrooms, a large family bathroom and a laundry on the other.

Positioned in the hub of the house, the living areas are a sight to behold. A bay window with 180-degree rural views forms the focal point for a lounge area, while at the other end of the room, a gas fireplace warms the entire room.

A modish kitchen, ideal for large- and small-scale entertaining, is fitted out with top-of-the-line appliances - a theme that is carried through to all the fixtures and fittings - including an Ilve oven and Asko dishwasher. Complementing the stainless steel is chic burgundy cabinetry, a glass splashback and butler's sink. A clever addition to the home is a walk-through pantry, ideal for delivering hot food to the formal dining area.

Traditional touches throughout - especially the gorgeous joinery, skirtings and architraves - exemplify the attention to detail with a cohesive mix of old and new.

A perfectionist with an end goal in mind, Mike hasn't skipped on the finishing touches. He has laid more than 5000 sandstone tiles that wrap around 80 percent of the home.

The secure property that is fenced into 12 to 13 paddocks with good cattle yards has subdivision potential. With more than 400m of road frontage, 2000 pine trees, which were planted more than 10 years ago, areas of native bush and wetlands, this property has plenty of viable options. The land has carried more than 100 head of cattle, and there is a good water supply with natural springs and four dams.

With options galore, this spacious property in its fabulous location will appeal to many.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 570 Peak Rd, Waimauku.

FEATURES: Near-new 370sq m masonry home on an elevated 39ha block; five bedrooms plus study; open-plan living area with kitchen, family living and dining; formal dining room; separate double garage; implement shed; 12/13 paddocks; excellent cattle yards; three paddocks with road frontage; 2000 pines trees (more than 10 years old); four dams; natural springs.

SIZE: Land area 39ha; floor area 370sq m (excluding garages).

PRICE: $1.43 million.

AGENTS: David Savery, Saverys Realty. Ph 412 8284 bus; 0274 317 172 mob.