Kumeu: Who bought that house?

1187 Coatesville Riverhead Highway, Kumeu.

Asking price: $1 million plus.

Sold for: $1.15 million.

Sold by: Shona Jurlina, Bayleys, ph 417 0017 or 027 599 7022.

Sam Whelan knew that her and husband Ron's brief for a lifestyle property that also included room for their expanding textile business was going to take some time to meet.

"We had in mind something completely different," she says. "We looked at live-in warehouses but none were for sale."

The couple currently run a wholesale textile business in Henderson, specialising in theatre and evening wear, but live in Hobsonville. Clients over the years have included Karen Walker, Zambesi and many of the young designers starting out. So far their buyers have reacted with delight at making the trip to the country for supplies, rather than the suburbs.

The Whelans looked at the property (featured in Heraldhomes on August 27) initially for the well-built workshop complete with a gym. They were delighted to find two bonuses: an immaculate house with plenty of room for visiting family, even a craft room for Sam, plus a two bedroom house to rent out.

After outgrowing the garage where they started their business 12 years ago, Sam and Ron are looking forward to being able to work from home again. A private entrance road for the business, proximity to the Huapai Golf Club and the burgeoning cafes, plus plans for a home-stay mean that this country lifestyle has worked out for the family.

"I bought this on my birthday," says Sam. "Ron had just been away on business, so he had faith that I'd do the right thing. We are really thrilled at the combination of lifestyle and work." Now there is the minor matter of moving hundreds of bolts of fabric, then the good life can begin.