A sweeping driveway brings you to the door, imported chandeliers hang from the ceilings -- no expense has been spared in the search for the best, writes Graham Hepburn

Spur of moment decision led to creation of cherished family home overlooking a near-private beach, writes Jane Loudon

Owners' foresight in dividing spacious home into two wings delivers a family haven with benefit of a sound buffer for parents, writes Donna McIntyre

Victoria Park across the road is almost like having a garden without the work, writes Donna McIntyre

After decades in the same family, Arts and Crafts bungalow was ready for a sensitive makeover -- and it got one. Sandra Goodwin reports

Polish couple fled Nazi atrocities to find a safe haven in New Zealand and eventually retire to a peaceful sanctuary high above the Waitemata Harbour, writes Ruth Claude

Masterpiece of 1961 is luxurious and modern without compromising its design, writes Penny Lewis

Family bach was a post office once upon a time and makes the most of the area's thermal activity, writes Graham Hepburn

Twenty years ago they bought a 4ha lifestyle block in Whenuapai's Brigham Creek Rd for $285,000. This month they sold it for $7 million.

The features of neo-classical facade will remain in a proposed redevelopment, writes Sandra Goodwin

Buyers from the big smoke look for reasonably priced residential properties elsewhere, writes Diana Clement

Work downstairs then enjoy life upstairs in your private sanctuary. Robyn Welsh visits a flexible space in a heritage suburb

Only an exceptional property was good enough after living on an island. They found it on the water's edge, writes Bronwyn Sell

Enjoy sea and city views from the park-like garden, writes Jane Loudon

Apartments developer Ockham raises the bar for inner-city green living, writes Donna Fleming

Enjoy the views from the deck, says Donna McIntyre

You can enjoy your morning coffee and muffin in your garden among the tui and wood pigeons, writes Sandra Goodwin, or walk to the local cafes