SCHOOL ZONES:
Matakana Primary, Warkworth, Horizon and Snells Beach Schools, Mahurangi College.
CONTACT:
Shailenne Parkes, Bayleys, 021 117 9142.
AUCTION:
April 27.
Looking over the property's merlot and cabernet sauvignon vines and over the neighbouring vineyard, this home near Matakana will appeal to someone wanting to leave the busy-ness of city life behind for a more relaxed rural lifestyle.
Owner Shelley Trotter imagines it suiting a newly retired couple.
"Someone who wants their life filled with visitors, family coming and entertaining. And having the pleasure of growing their own grapes, making their own wine maybe and having the orchard there that you can make plum sauce and plum jam. That is what it was designed for it, it is a real lifestyle block. But upmarket, rather than rustic. Eating your own olive oil and home-baked bread under blossom trees."
Shelley owns the house but has rented it out since she bought it five years ago.
"I live close by and I own the vineyard next door, which is also on the market, called Mahurangi River Winery.
"This house looks like it belongs to the vineyard, so when it came up for sale we bought it with the intention we would move into it in the future. But we have decided to sell the vineyard and therefore we are selling the house as well.
"We would love it if it was one buyer who bought both because we feel they belong to each other."
The north-facing home, on a large flat site among the rolling countryside, was built about 14 years ago for a couple who moved from Auckland.
Exterior cladding is Insulclad, the roof is clay tiles and joinery is a mix of alloy and painted timber.
Shelley was attracted to this house because its layout would have worked well for her partner, who is an amputee.
"The house we live in is five levels, but this home is only two levels, and the master bedroom is on the ground floor so it is possible to live in this house without using the stairs.
"That is a nice drawcard for say an elderly couple; that you can live on one level easily, from the garage, the main entrance, all the entertaining areas inside and out, the kitchen and the master bedroom. It would be really good for someone in a wheelchair even."
Image 1 of 7: Mediterranean-style home overlooking neighbouring vineyard offers a relaxed lifestyle.
Landscaping around the home includes iceberg roses at the entranceway, mondo grasses, griselinia hedges and lavender. There is also an orchard and vege garden.
The home includes formal areas and informal family rooms, some featuring exposed trusses. The large kitchen has granite bench tops and plenty of storage.
"The kitchen is just gorgeous because the people who built it were foodies and entertainers so there is a big butler's pantry as well," says Shelley.
The kitchen joins the spacious tiled family room, which has a gas fire, and doors open to the outdoor areas on three sides.
The carpeted formal lounge and dining room have an open fireplace, and two sets of french doors open to the western patio. The master bedroom, also on this level, opens to the pool area. There is also a gardener's bathroom (with outside access), a double garage and a laundry.
Upstairs are two more bedrooms - each with a Juliet balcony - plus a study and a bathroom.
A studio cottage to the west of the main house, called Merlot Cottage, offers stunning views over the vineyard.
"It is part of the property and it has been used for family overflow as well as a B&B," says Shelley. "It is a quintessential vineyard weekend away. There is a nice outdoor sitting area where you have your glass of wine, of course."
Views from the house are of the countryside.
"You see the vineyards, the neighbour's olive grove, and in the distance Mt Tamahunga, so you have a faraway skyline. It is a tapestry of greens and colours. It changes with the seasons and is beautiful."
Hamilton Rd is about 10 minutes from Matakana village.
"We are just a short drive away from the beaches and there is something for everyone," she says. "Snells Beach is the closest beach and family friendly because it is shallow. The perfect day or half-day outing is to Tawharanui because the surfing, walkways and birdwatching are really good there. Goat Island is probably half-an-hour's drive, to go snorkelling.
"It is just about compulsory up here to own a small boat so you can go out to Kawau and the islands. And there is brilliant fishing. And that doesn't even mention Matakana and the shopping, the movie theatre and we are blessed with lots of nice restaurants and wineries and vineyards."
