Paula and Lee Thomas have always thrived on change, which explains why they moved house every couple of years until they bought their present home.
They've been here now for 11 years, which Paula considers something of a miracle.
"I mentioned to my husband the other day that this is the longest we've been in any property since we've been together," she says.
But it's not a desire for change that's driving the move this time. They need to downsize from the four-bedroom, three-bathroom country house on its one-and-a-half acre block to give themselves a bit of breathing space after what Paula describes as a "flat out year".
When they bought the house they'd actually been looking at having a city apartment and a getaway somewhere near the Rotorua lakes, but ultimately decided on a complete change so they could enjoy that lifestyle every day.
The house had been built as a dream home by the original owner, who did all the design and landscaping himself. It was only 4 years old when Paula and Lee moved in, but they put their own stamp on it by adding a 66sq m outdoor living space off the family room, and changing the flooring inside.
Paula, who has a passion for design, chose funky flooring for the service areas and family room.
"It's German-made and has that look of old apple boxes with random dates and words printed on them," she says. "I wanted something different and that flooring gives the house the wow factor. It's made it more modern rather than too much of a farm-style house."
The property has suited them perfectly. It's a single-level house that was ideal for Paula's mother, who had mobility issues before she passed away.
She and Paula's father loved to come and stay as they were able to have their own space, and they enjoyed the peaceful setting of the area.
"We love the quiet, too," Paula says. "Some nights when we go to bed we can't hear a thing and I say, 'Are we the only people in the world still alive?'"
Even though there are only the two of them, they've enjoyed the big spaces and the flexibility the house has offered for having people to stay. With four bedrooms, three bathrooms and two lounges, it's been good for extended family and guests. They've entertained a lot and made great use of the family room, which opens out to the deck.
Lee has also enjoyed the opportunity to work mainly from home, in a separate office near the front of the house with a separate phone line. However, trips to the city when necessary have been straightforward, as it's usually only a 30-minute drive.
Image 1 of 8: Trendy touches give this spacious country house a contemporary feel
"The location is ideal," Paula says. "This place has great views over to the Waitakeres and incredible sunsets. I've shown photos of the sunsets to people and they've asked, 'Is that in Fiji?' And I say, 'No -- it's looking out my back door'.
"Yet we have a dairy at the bottom of the hill, and we're on town water, although we have our own pump and tank water for the garden."
There's a productive orchard on the property and Paula delights in rattling off all the fruit trees she has -- feijoas, pears, apples, guavas, blueberries, plums, oranges, lemons and a lime.
