Owners Siobhan and Paul’s major renovation of the Mangawhai home they purchased in 2016 didn’t happen quite as quickly as they had planned, due to the arrival of their first two of three babies, but Siobhan says that living with the house and getting a good feel for how it worked turned out to be a good thing.
“Once we got underway, we knew exactly what we wanted.”
She says that the original house, which had belonged to a retired couple was small, but it lent itself to being extended at both ends, in a design by James Durcan Architecture.
Beyond the entrance atrium lies a large open-plan kitchen dining and living room and to its right is the master wing complete with walk-in closet, ensuite and a private deck and patio with an outdoor cedar-clad bath.
Start your property search
“It’s nice to have a peaceful place for adults,” says Siobhan. Also in this wing is the separate laundry and garage.
Meanwhile, to the left of the entrance is another wing with three bedrooms, one of which has an ensuite and its own entrance, serving as a semi-detached guest lodging. A family bathroom serves the other two bedrooms, and a big bright family-media room is another great spot to rest and relax.
Surrounding this wing is a covered patio as well as an uncovered deck and the outdoor fireplace and pizza oven have both been huge hits with visiting family and friends. Siobhan says that the extended roofline has enhanced the outdoor living spaces, making them usable in any weather.
All of the living areas enjoy ample light from large windows and skylights. Photo / Supplied
The home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, and makes the most of the views. Photo / Supplied
She thinks that her kitchen is one of the aspects she will miss most. As a keen cook, she planned it meticulously with a stylish and sophisticated zen-like theme in mind. The oak cabinetry works perfectly as do the Caesarstone benchtops, plus there’s the added bonus of a cleverly concealed scullery.
All of the living areas enjoy ample light from large windows and skylights – even on duller days.
Siobhan and Paul are moving to Central Otago for a different sort of lifestyle.
“We tried to come and go for a while, but it makes sense to base ourselves down there now. I’m glad the children had their formative years here, outside in nature – playing in the native bush. It’s been wonderful for all of us,” she says.
One of the homeowners says she will miss her kitchen the most. Photo / Supplied
Listing agent Cristina Casares says the home’s organic connection to its environment is what makes it truly special. Photo / Supplied
In addition to those 1.5ha of bush the property boasts three paddocks, a spring-fed lake and Siobhan’s green fingers will leave a lovely legacy in the form of an abundant vegetable garden bursting with produce for the next owner to enjoy.
Cristina Casares, who is marketing 14 Wood Pigeon Lane, says that the home’s very organic connection to its environment is what makes it truly special – along with the elevated location.
“The use of natural materials is so lovely and thoughtfully done and because the property is north-west facing, the sunsets are glorious, and the views are beautiful.”
- 14 Wood Pigeon Lane in Mangawhai, Kaipara, is on the market for sale by a set date
