SCHOOL ZONES:
Waimauku School, Huapai District School, Massey High School.
CONTACT:
Andrea Turzynski, Harcourts, ph 027 662 4501.
AUCTION:
Nov 29 (unless sold prior).
FEATURES:
*Additional 2 bedroom cottage
The gently Mediterranean style of the Hawker family's home fits nicely with its sun-drenched elevated position.
Nikki Hawker smiles. "People say, 'Oh, you're in the Spanish house on the hill'."
The peaceful environment with tranquil rural views helped lure Nikki and partner Warren here nearly 20 years ago. They wanted to raise their children out of the urban bustle, moving here with sons Ben and Karl before growing their family with daughter Hannah.
Nikki says: "It's lovely waking up in the morning here. You don't hear anything from neighbours; you just listen to the birdsong."
The opportunity to add value to the 1980s home was another drawcard. It was somewhat dated when they bought it so they renovated and extended the floor plan as their family grew.
They also had Initial Homes build a wood-lined, two-bedroom, self-contained cottage, which they've rented out. It has its own garden, carport and driveway.
On the crest of a rise sits the main home, positioned to take advantage of sweeping rural views. A freshwater swimming pool glistens in the sunshine alongside it while its poolside gazebo promises welcoming shade.
"Most people just see this and say, 'Wow, the view ... this is gorgeous up here'," says Nikki.
A wisteria twines around the front pergola adding charm to a north-facing entertaining patio. Golden retriever Cleo and cat Auzzie bask in the sunshine which tracks around the home, culminating in glorious sunsets above Muriwai.
"North is literally square to the front of the house," says Warren.
Rooms are laid out in the pattern of a capital H with the central link anchored by a nurturing kitchen that has a server-style window that aids alfresco dining.
Nikki has developed the gardens with a mix of subtropicals and natives and numerous rooms incorporate flow to the outdoors.
The Hawkers' extension created a roomy lounge with a wood-burning fireplace and a ceiling-mounted projector in the wing that overlooks the pool. There's an en suite bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and a second living area nearby.
Looking at a football field-sized expanse of level lawn, Nikki says: "That big playing area there used to be a hill but we had it flattened out. The kids have played all sort of games out there, pitched tents and had their horses."
The other wing accommodates three more bedrooms, including another that also boasts an en suite and walk-in wardrobe. Two offices, a laundry, family bathroom and separate powder room complete the layout. The hot water heating is solar, backed up by electricity.
Separation from neighbours means they can crank up the entertainment system without disturbing anyone. The property has been brilliant for entertaining, hosting everyone from big groups of their children's friends to practice nurse Nikki's colleagues at Waimauku Doctors.
The main home is complemented by a separate double garage plus a large barn, which TVNZ technical manager Warren's seconded as his man-cave. He's a woodworking buff and his carefully crafted pieces, such as the projector box concealing the lounge's ceiling-mounted projector, complement the home.
Image 1 of 6: Such is the quiet at this Mediterranean-inspired property that you will hear only the soothing sounds of nature throughout the day
The barn includes a sleep-out that has been short-term accommodation for visitors under the international HelpX scheme in return for them working on the property. A big vege garden and chook house complete the bucolic rural scene.
The land holding includes eight paddocks where they graze sheep and calves, have hosted a neighbour's alpacas and had a couple of horses over the years.
With both sons having left home and Hannah heading for university, they're selling as the house is larger than they now need.
