Waimauku: The perfect playground

The kids will love it and there's room for development, as CEDRIC GRAY reports.

When John and Wendy Baxter bought their 3ha property in Waimauku, north-west of Auckland, they thought it would be the ideal playground for their young family.

In School Rd, it enjoys the best of town and country and has the added bonus of glorious rural views and privacy.

The property is elevated yet well-sheltered from the west, and the views extend over a neighbouring dry stock and deer farm towards the small Waimauku village a few kilometres away.

Muriwai Beach is within easy reach, and the Muriwai golf course tops the local sporting attractions.

Their playground is a wide expanse of lawn, which covers most of the property. Bordered by a deer fence and as level as a billiard table, it lends itself to further development. There is plenty of room for a tennis court and a swimming pool.

The Baxters are looking for a bigger property where the children can extend their love of the outdoors, and the School Rd site is on offer at an asking price of $599,000.

The executive-style house, which was built five years ago, is surrounded by lawn and easy-care bark gardens planted with palms.

The entrance, with offices on either side, opens to an impressive family lounge where a series of ranchslider doors lead to a deck across the front of the house.

The lounge is served by a modern kitchen complete with granite benchtops, built-in appliance cabinets and ample storage. A pleasant family dining area is next to the kitchen.

Three bedrooms, a bathroom, toilet and laundry are comfortably clustered at one end of the house, while the master bedroom occupies the first level. The master, which has a dressing room and an en suite, opens to a small balcony. Most rooms in the house share the best of the views.

There is an internal-access double garage and ample water, supplied by two large storage tanks.

Built 18 months ago, a two-bedroom, self-contained cottage occupies a nearby site, which generates a weekly rental of $240. It has its own septic tank, water tank and phone line.

The property is being marketed by Harcourts, Kumeu. Simon Spiller on 412 7666 has details.