Level playing field fit for family bliss in Oratia

104 Carter Rd, Oratia. Photo / Geoff Dale

104 CARTER RD ORATIA

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SIZE: 8477sq m, house 286sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Expressions of interest around $1.2 million. Closing November 14, unless sold prior.

INSPECT: Monday 2pm-2.45pm, or by appointment.

ON THE WEB: www.remax.co.nz/RGE10051

SCHOOL ZONES: Orewa School, Orewa College.

CONTACT: Oratia District School, Bruce McLaren Intermediate, Henderson High School.

FEATURES: Stylish 5-year-old builder's own home on a landscaped lifestyle property in Oratia, with four bedrooms, open-plan living area, separate lounge and downstairs rumpus. A separate garage has a 79sq m living space above it.

It took a lot of vision to see the potential in a sloping overgrown paddock with a For Sale sign plonked on it.

But Greg and Vicki Ingham could see past the long grass - metaphorically, if not literally - to imagine a stylish yet family-friendly suntrap of a home with large decks and expansive lawns.

Having previously lived in a split-level home, the couple were keen to try single-level living with easy outdoor access that would better suit life with young children.

So, with the help of Greg's retired architect father, Tom Ingham, they planned a home in which they could walk from the bedrooms through the living areas to the decks and the large front lawn without tripping over a single step.

Because of the slope of the section, they knew they would end up with a large underfloor space. So it made sense to turn it into a spacious extra room opening on to the back lawn, with a view to using it as guest accommodation, a rumpus room or a home gym.

They had the vision, they had the plan - now they had to do the work. They project-managed it together, and Greg, a builder, took seven months off to build the home from scratch.

Even getting all that grass under control took the Inghams a couple of years - and several lawnmower repairs. And because of local council requirements, they had to bring in 200 native plants. Fortunately, they discovered that their boys, Jed, now 10, and Theo, 6, loved hanging out in the backyard (and hunting monsters in their own private native glade within) while Mum and Dad worked.

"We had to use our imagination," says Vicki. "And a lot of labour. But we really love doing the outdoorsy stuff."

The house also reflects the couple's love of the outdoors. Glass walls on three sides of the living areas slide away to provide access to the lawn and large decks - through the family room, through the separate lounge, and through the dining area. The ceiling slopes up towards the sun, with extra-high windows to pull in more light.

The master bedroom also opens up to the deck, and overlooks the native bush, the new planting and the tamed back lawn. An en suite bathroom was one of the final touches in the house, but Vicki admits it has hardly been used because she and Greg adore the main bathroom down the hall, which is basically one big tiled walk-in shower room with a striking freestanding bath in the middle.

The interiors became a bit of a compromise between colour-loving Vicki and neutrals-fan Greg. Greg got neutral walls and floors, while former clothing designer Vicki got to splash a bit of vibrant colour and eye-catching pattern around - red on the front door, lime on the kitchen island and a glass-pebbled splashback.

The floor in the kitchen and dining room is covered in dimpled rubber tiles, which provide both a retro feel and a hardy surface that can withstand even the boys tearing around on their bikes.

The problem with having vision and building skills is that it's always tempting to use them again. So Vicki and Greg are on the lookout for a new project in Oratia.