"As soon as I saw this property I knew it would work for us," Fiona says. "The location is perfect from a logistics point of view. "We have a business near the airport so this is really convenient, plus it's a minute to the motorway, five to Manukau and 10 to Sylvia Park. There are no traffic jams and it's only 25 minutes to the Viaduct."
She was also mindful of the convenience of the area for the couple's two girls. Strathallan, one of southern Auckland's leading private schools, is nearby.
The quality of the construction was another point in its favour. It was built by a Kiwi builder who had designed it himself, and Fiona could see he had been really clever with the design.
"I immediately noticed the 2.7m stud, which gives the house a great sense of space. It's not a huge house but everyone who walks in here comments on how big it is," she says. "I think that's also because instead of trying to cram four bedrooms into the floor plan, he put in three big bedrooms and two bathrooms, and all the rooms feel really spacious."
The master suite has french doors to the garden, a walk-in wardrobe and a spacious, tiled en suite. The clever layout of the main bathroom offers a walk-in shower, separate bath and adjoining powder room.
But what excited Fiona the most about the house was the kitchen. Its sleek, simple design accommodates an unusual amount of soft-close cupboards which are virtually floor to ceiling, and plenty of drawers. There's a pantry which Fiona says is big enough to use as a study, and elegant stone benchtops and European appliances. "The bar easily seats four and it's open to the living areas so, again, great for entertaining," she says.
She attributes the appeal of the house to its high quality finish and "good bones". "When I walked in, I could see that all it needed was someone to sexy it up a bit," she laughs. She replaced the curtains and added country-style furniture and rugs. The dining table and chairs provide a focal point and are reflected in a large mirror. It also reflects the garden and outdoor living areas, which offer further entertaining space.
The family enjoys the opportunities for outdoor living around the Karaka harbourside.
"There are plenty of reserves and cycleways in the area," Fiona says. "I take the girls out on the cycleways most days and we love it."
