Thirteen years ago Paul and Jane Mottershead were out for a Sunday drive when they noticed an open home sign outside the gate of a house in semi-rural Drury.
"It was a classic case of taking one look and realising that this was the house of our dreams," says Jane.
"It was spring and the cherry trees and wisteria were all in full bloom. Needless to say, we went on to buy it."
Built in 1982, the Tudor style appealed particularly to Englishman Paul, who immediately imagined himself as lord of the gracious manor, trimming the hedges that surround the 6070sq m section with its pretty pond, fountain, waterfall and romantic gazebo.
It's been the scene of many big occasions including 21sts, pre-wedding functions, 50th and 70th birthdays.
Inside the pair embarked on a remodelling project, renovating the big, bright kitchen completely with elegant, yet still very functional results.
"Paul's the cook," says Jane.
"He likes to be on his own in there, with nobody underfoot, but he can still engage with me, or with guests who are sitting on bar stools in the next room."
The house boasts two large living rooms (one of which has housed a full-size billiard table in the past) on the ground floor, and essentially two dining rooms as well.
The couple use the one adjacent to the kitchen for everyday eating while the formal dining room with its glorious garden views is off the other end of the kitchen. Also on this floor is a home office, a handy separate laundry and bathroom.
There is loads of native timber used throughout the dwelling, something that immediately attracted Paul and Jane.
"It matches our furniture perfectly," says Paul. "And so does the carpet. It's a very high quality one and it feels wonderful when you walk on it in bare feet."
The window treatments, too, are all in keeping with the classic English country style of the property.
Image 1 of 8: Built in 1982, this Tudor-style home offers a waterfall and a romantic gazebo. Photos / Ted Baghurst
On the second floor lies the master suite with walk-in wardrobe and Paul and Jane's own luxury bathroom, along with two further generous double bedrooms and a smaller one that is perfect for a single bed. The main bathroom is on this floor too.
Essentially what the Mottersheads have enjoyed so much is a modern easy-care version of a very classic-style house. With air-conditioning and wall and ceiling insulation, the house is energy-efficient, too.
"Until recently we had our adult son living here with us but he's just left for his big OE, so now we have the 'empty nest' that almost everybody else our age talks about," says Jane, an accountant who works in nearby East Tamaki.
"We've loved living here and we've never taken it for granted," Jane says.
"It's a very special spot and we appreciate that."
The fact that it's very quiet especially suits the couple, who enjoy the sights and sounds of local bird life. The previous owner was into motor-racing so there's a huge 6-car garage for Paul to escape to when he feels like a change.
As South Auckland has grown, so have the amenities in the immediate neighbourhood and nearby.
There are a number of easily-accessible well-regarded schools, including Rosehill College and the independent ACG Strathallan.
"Even in Drury there are some lovely shops now," says Jane.
"And the supermarket is close, as is the motorway.
"On a good day we're really only 30 minutes from central Auckland."
