Waitakere: Birds, bush and Natural Beauty

Stunning rural surrounds and the gentle sound of bird song make this Waitakere residence a country-lover's dream. By CEDRIC GRAY.

As a prominent sailor, Gordon Mann used to wake to the thump of the waves breaking over the bow. These days, the dawn is greeted by bird song.

Fast forward an hour or two, and instead of breakfast in a rolling galley, Gordon and his wife, Lorraine, often start their day with a patio breakfast in the shade of a 100-year-old puriri tree in which tui and native pigeons are almost within touching distance. The contrast is complete.

The puriri tree is significant, because it is one of several that grace the native bush to the rear of their 6.4190ha property at the end of Arrowsmith Rd, Waitakere. It is a stunning scene with the bush as a backdrop and well-groomed pasture rolling towards a couple of ornamental lakes and a wetland area brimming with bird life.

"It's amazing really. I never knew we had such a variety," says Gordon. "We have counted 11 species at one time." Canadian geese and paradise duck are regular visitors. Swallows feast on the insects. There are two or three species of tern, and pukeko and pheasants are plentiful.

The Manns have planted thousands of native trees to further beautify the park-like grounds on the property they have named White Pines after the kahikatea that line the bush. Kauri line the long driveway to the elevated house site, with its glorious views across the valley.

The beautifully presented home of 337sq m was designed by Gordon and Lorraine. They were determined to capture the best of the rural views, and to ensure shelter from the prevailing south-west winds. The bush was never allowed to intrude; instead it provides a superb backdrop to a lovely courtyard to the rear of the house.

A floor-to-ceiling cedar door opens to an attractive entrance, leading to a formal lounge, a delightful formal dining room and the kitchen, where the fittings include a superb kahikatea servery, an ice-maker and bar cabinet, and a wide range of modern appliances.

There is a study nearby, and the master bedroom (opening to a spa pool) and a guest bedroom are also within easy reach. Two bedrooms are located in a spacious accommodation wing. There is underfloor heating throughout the house, with bifold and french doors allowing easy access to the outdoors. The double attached garage also houses a wine cellar.

A second dwelling of about 120sq m provides excellent staff or rental accommodation. It has two upstairs bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen and living area. The unit is attached to a substantial workshop, which Gordon uses for his latest boat-building project.

White Pines will be auctioned on May 1 by Harcourts, Kumeu. For further details contact Simon Spiller or Angela Little, ph 412 7666 or 021 968 068 (Simon's mobile).