SCHOOL ZONES:
Gulf Harbour School, Wentworth College.
CONTACT:
Karen Franklin, Harcourts, 021 779 838.
Andrea Gregory has an opinion on whether or not to change the New Zealand flag, but it's the Austrian flag that flies from her home on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
Despite that, she describes herself as "well, a Kiwi now", having come here from Austria in 1987, followed by her parents in 1991. Eventually she bought a 5400sq m site overlooking the marina on which to build a home specifically designed to accommodate three generations.
The view was a great attraction. It overlooks the marina and there are green hillsides all around.
"It's very peaceful; and we have pheasants and kingfishers here, as well as more rabbits than we would like," Andrea says.
"We designed the house so my parents, myself and my children could all have separate areas, as well as a common kitchen and family area, and it has worked really well for us.
"I've moved house 15 times since coming to New Zealand and this is the first time I've had a house that I've walked into every night and thought 'this is so nice'."
Privacy, space and stylish execution of the design are the features of the double-storeyed weatherboard house with its elegant stone pillars framing the entrance. The foyer inside is just as impressive, its focal point a beautifully crafted, curved timber and wrought iron staircase going to the upper floor. The chandelier which lights the area is more than 100 years old and a family heirloom -- Andrea is very clear it will be going with her to the next property.
Despite the choice of three private and family living areas, it's the communal kitchen that's the centre of the house. Andrea works long hours so her mother does most of the cooking, which is a bonus as she is a highly qualified baker who had her own business in Austria.
"And the kitchen is great for entertaining because people can gather around the central bench with a glass of wine.
Image 1 of 5: Plenty of private and shared living spaces in a well-designed and generously proportioned house ensure that every generation is kept happy
Andrea says: "The windows open right back so if we are entertaining outside we can put all the food on the bench for serving."
A formal dining area and a common sitting room are part of this space, and also open out to the deck. "We eat breakfast outside a lot, even in winter," Andrea says. "It doesn't take much time for the sun to warm the area up and we are sheltered from the south."
Inside, reverse-cycle air conditioning and underfloor heating warm the house, and the timber floors add visual and real warmth to the space. Andrea is not a fan of carpet so there are tiles in the open-plan living areas, and timber elsewhere.
The floorplan provides perfectly for the separate living spaces the family required. There are two master suites, one upstairs and one downstairs, and three further double bedrooms and another bathroom upstairs. And in addition to the main living area there's a study, rumpus room, family room and a separate workshop.
The workshop is the domain of Andrea's father, who began wood-turning after he retired. Andrea had intended that this space should also be used for storage, but that hasn't quite worked out as she planned. The trade-off is the beautiful pieces her father creates.
"Luckily we have plenty of other storage space in this house," she says. "In fact, I think we have far more than most people could fill."
With her parents and her children getting older, Andrea plans to build again, adjusting the design of the new home to suit changing circumstances. She may not be able to take the view with her, but the chandelier and the Austrian flag will be going along.
