SCHOOL ZONES:
Newmarket Primary, Remuera Intermediate, double Grammar.
CONTACT:
Tanya Kwasza or Mike Mattson, Ray White, 021 593 939 (Tanya) or 021 666 171 (Mike).
*Plus four off-streett
Many first-time visitors to Helen and John Osborne's home are so surprised by the combination of big house and unquestionably handy location that they ask if it's two homes.
Helen says: "They'll ask something like, 'Are you on the left or the right?' and I'll say 'both'.
The 325sq m weatherboard and stone home with double Grammar school zoning is the first on the right along Broadway Park's Maui Grove, just minutes from Newmarket's hub.
Helen is a fashion blogger when she's not working as a human resources manager so she's loved living so near to the shops.
She and John reel off the places that are a leisurely walk from here, including cinemas, gyms, cafes and Newmarket's train station. Keen runner Helen appreciates being able to easily bound off through Auckland Domain and other parks. Also, Broadway Park residences share facilities including gyms, saunas, tennis courts, a swimming and a lap pool, and Sky TV.
The Osbornes bought here in 1997 and Helen can still remember her first impressions walking into this home.
"It was just so light and airy, with its high stud and great entertaining spaces. The sun was streaming in and the doors out to the deck and grounds were wide open so you could see how easy outdoor entertaining would be.
"We were really impressed because we'd been living in Epsom where we had a postage stamp bit of grass and no real outdoor entertaining areas."
John says: "The stud height on the lower floor is 4m and upstairs it's 3m."
The generous floor plan was useful when guests played Twister and shot hoops at John's mini-Olympics themed 40th birthday party, held the same year as an Olympic Games. The space also enabled two nieces to live here on and off.
Image 1 of 7: Leave your cares at the door in this modern family home that's super low maintenance and has serviced amenities on site
Friends shopping or going to the movies in Newmarket often ask to use the four off-street parks in the double internal-access garage. The Osbornes upgraded the home from plaster to Linea weatherboard about five years ago and other improvements include updating the master en suite, changing the colour of kitchen cabinetry and recently re-carpeting in a more neutral tone.
The dramatic double height of the dining room is a stand-out feature upon entry. Helen wanders through the neighbouring entertainers' kitchen and laughs about having a swish two-oven kitchen, given she rarely cooks. The high-gloss finish of the mushroom cabinetry was achieved by having it renewed by an automotive refinisher who mainly restores classic cars.
The kitchen opens wide to north-facing outdoor decks and fully fenced grounds designed to be low maintenance. Picture-perfect artificial lawn never needs mowing. Mature surrounding trees give the home privacy and a leafy green outlook.
There are two lounges. The more informal one adjacent to the kitchen has a powder room off it and also opens to the deck. John and Helen are especially fond of the slightly more formal living room, up a small flight of stairs.
Helen says: "It's such a tranquil space. In summer you get a gentle breeze coming in its side windows but still enjoy your privacy because of its shutters. And there's nothing like relaxing in front of its open fireplace in winter, watching the flames and feeling the warmth of a real fire."
Having two staircases to the upper level helps maintain the master suite's separation from other bedrooms. As well as having an en suite sheathed in Italian tiles and a walk-in wardrobe, the master is accompanied by a landing space versatile as an office or sitting area.
The other staircase feeds three more bedrooms with good wardrobing and two more bathrooms.
