It is easy to see why a large piece of rural land near Drury holds a special place in Terry van Huenen's heart.
Yes, it is peaceful and private, but it is the mesmerising view that has won him over -- and anyone who visits the property.
His elevated home has a jaw-dropping outlook westwards over Drury to Karaka and the Manukau Harbour. On a clear day, the northern view extends as far as the Auckland skyline, and the top of Rangitoto can even be seen in the distance.
As spectacular as it is in the daytime, it's even more stunning at night, with the lights of South Auckland spread out below.
"It's like being in a plane and seeing this sea of lights twinkling beneath you," Terry says. "It is just beautiful."
And whether it's watching planes coming in to land at Auckland airport or witnessing storms rolling towards the city, there's always something to see. "You just can't get enough of the view -- you never get complacent," adds Terry.
He bought 34ha of mostly bush-covered land between Drury and the Hunua Ranges 18 years ago because he was keen to get away from built-up areas. A master builder, he put up a house on the land, and then five years ago built a second home a few hundred metres away, which is where he and partner Kay Taylor now live. They're selling that house and its 2591sq m section because they want to build again on another site on their land that will have slightly different views.
"We're not going too far," says Terry. "Once you come out here it gets under your skin. You don't want to leave."
When it came to his current home, he wanted a house with a "bachy, rustic feel", which he achieved thanks to the board and batten exterior, and the kauri floors in the main living area.
Image 1 of 7: The sweeping view from this Drury home is constantly intriguing. Photos / David Rowland, Getty Images
And of course it had to make the most of the view, which it does. The living areas and three of the four bedrooms enjoy the incredible outlook, as does a huge deck that is partially covered and ideal for al fresco dining.
There are plenty of sliding glass doors out to decks, and in the living room a huge picture window that perfectly frames the vista. There's even a glass wall in the shower in the master en suite that allows them to make the most of the outlook while washing. But there's no need to worry about being spotted in the all-together -- there are no neighbours close enough to see.
The spacious open plan living/dining/kitchen area is the hub of the house. There's plenty of room to congregate around the kitchen island, which has a striking granite bench top. It's a particularly popular spot in winter because it is close to the Broady's woodburning fire, which can be used for cooking as well as heating.
"I use it for the majority of the cooking I do," says Terry. "You can do a great roast."
The kitchen also has a gas oven, and a scullery that provides lots of storage as well as extra working space. Another living area is smaller and more intimate, and also opens out to the deck. Kay uses the fourth bedroom as a study, and the two guest bedrooms are popular with visiting family and friends.
"People always sleep so well here because it's so quiet," says Terry. "All you can hear are the tuis and wood pigeons."
The master bedroom has its own private covered deck, tucked away behind a gate.
Behind the wing of the house containing the bedrooms, bathroom and laundry is a flat, sheltered lawn and patio, which is a great spot to relax in the morning sun. Parking is not an issue -- as well as a double carport there is also a double and a single garage. Because Kay and Terry have more space than they need, they are using the carpeted single garage as a gym.
Even though the house feels remote, it's just 10 minutes drive to Papakura and the motorway.
"The lifestyle here is just fantastic," says Terry. "You've got the view, the bush and the privacy but if you need to get to the city it's not far. It's very relaxing and restful -- I wouldn't want to live anywhere else."
