SCHOOL ZONES:
Coatesville Primary, Albany junior and senior highs.
CONTACT:
James Bailey, 021 192 0445 or Ailsa McArthur, 027 298 4000, Bayleys.
If you were going to list your ideal country-spread-for-beginners spec, it would probably read something like this: a few acres for you and the kids to run around in, but not too much to maintain; views of the countryside; ponds, bush and streams to explore; coastal inlets nearby to launch the boat; and a house where everything is already done.
That was pretty much Simon and Lynsay Hunt's dream list when they finally made their move to the country four years ago.
"I grew up on a lifestyle block, and we wanted that for our kids, some space to run around -- and for me, I'm into my motorbikes," says Simon. "We'd been looking further out of town, as we didn't think we could afford property this close to the city. But when we saw this we thought, 'Why not?'"
The couple were not put off by the overgrown grounds and the less-than-ideal floor plan. Lynsay has an eye for design, so her 'bit of a tidy up' became a whole house makeover, but they were reassured that they were starting with a GJ Gardner brick base and plaster cavity house built in 2004.
The house is on a smartly paved shared driveway with five other lifestyle blocks, starting at the top of the ridge with a stunning view across Sanders Reserve to the Sky Tower in the distance.
The reserve is at the bottom of one of their three paddocks, with terrific biking, bridle path and recreation facilities -- a real drawcard for locals -- and they also have access to the Paremoremo River estuary for messing about on boats.
Image 1 of 7: All the hard work has been done creating a country lifestyle ideal for families. Photo / Ted Baghurst
The couple's makeover started at the gates, where they upgraded the classic post and rail fences, improved the entrance and cleaned up the paddocks. There are olive trees and a few outbuildings for animals and the boys' toys.
By reconfiguring the layout of the kitchen, in the centre of the house, Lynsay and Simon made the flow of the house work for them and children Oliver, 11, and Madelyn, 8. They removed walls and doors that shut the cook away from the action, opening the room up to the living and dining room on one side, the family room on the other.
They removed overhead cupboards, made space for a double fridge and added glossy Caeserstone counters to the island. And by reconfiguring the hallway entrance they cunningly fitted in a good-sized pantry under the stairs.
Lynsay is a tiny bit sad about leaving behind her showpiece, a glossy black Belling cooker, but the couple are proud of the transformation. Now they can gather in front of the wood fire in one room, the kids in another, everyone coming together at the generous dining table.
But they didn't stop there, painting and re-carpeting throughout the house, and organising storage in every nook and cranny of the living rooms and garage. The house faces south to get the best views, but the bedrooms and office at the back get gorgeous sunshine. A covered outdoor patio between both living rooms is a perfect third sitting room in the summer, with shelter from Auckland's fickle weather.
In both the family bathroom and the master en suite upstairs, Lynsay has updated with cool new fixtures, enticing stone-look tiles and stylish vanities. She admits going top of the line, but the family thought this would be their forever home.
However, both she and Simon have got new jobs that entail longer hours and a lot of travelling, so they are moving off their lifestyle block to be closer to work and have more time for the kids' sports.
The country living was everything they'd hoped for, with the kids disappearing for the day to catch eels or build tree huts. They have never tired of the valley views, the gorgeous sunrise they see from their bedroom, or the sunsets; the kids have joined the local farmer for lambing.
They love the easy access to the village life of Coatesville, the markets around the countryside and when they need big-city shopping they can choose between Albany and Westgate.
"I just love coming home to the land, the privacy," says Lynsay. "You shut the gate and you just feel you have shut out the world."
Exactly what you'd hope from a country lifestyle, but with all the hard work done.
