Nobody regrets buying quality, and Auckland couple Pete and Ange have enjoyed every minute spent in a spectacular 2140sqm property in the popular Cambridge suburb of Leamington, which they bought around five years ago.
“The home was designed and built in 2001 by Brendon Lafferty, a local architect, for himself and his family. The calibre of the original build stood out to us right away and his careful attention to detail is still very obvious today,” Pete explains.
While 59 Cowley Drive was very liveable, just as it was, Pete and Ange could see yet more potential and quickly launched into a major update which saw them enhancing the property’s sense of space and creating a stylish multi-generational semi-rural-feeling retreat.
“Virtually everything has been replaced, refurbished or modernised,” says Pete.
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“I think one of the most major things was turning the architect’s office above the two-car garage into a self-contained loft apartment,” Ange adds.
She says that family members of all ages and stages have been to stay. “There are generous spaces where everyone naturally comes together but also quieter retreats for when you want privacy.”
The main living area is largely open-plan and lends itself perfectly to entertaining.
A chef’s kitchen lies at the heart, and Pete and Ange say that a former rumpus room – transformed into a sunny conservatory, and opening out to the pool, is definitely their favourite part of the home – and without doubt the most often used.
The sprawling 503sqm residence sits on a 2140sqm section with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two garages, multiple living areas, a loft apartment, swimming pool and spa. Photo / Supplied
The home was designed and built in 2001 by Brendon Lafferty, a local architect, for himself and his family. Photo / Supplied
Harcourts agent Luke Crockford: “It’s the most perfect package and absolutely 100% turnkey which makes it very attractive to families – especially with summer just around the corner.” Photo / Supplied
Thoughtful planning can also be found in the bedroom wings.
Ange says that the master with its luxury bathroom is a pleasant place to spend time and a smaller adjacent room is currently used as a home office but would make a perfect nursery. In another wing are three generous bedrooms, a sitting room and bathroom.
Pete and Ange have kept the interior colours pleasantly neutral with lots of white.
Agent Luke Crockford notes that his vendors are very realistic when it comes to price and because the property is now surplus to requirement, they’re keen to see it pass to new owners.
“It’s the most perfect package and absolutely 100% turnkey which makes it very attractive to families – especially with summer just around the corner.”
In addition to the house itself, the property also includes a solar heated mineral pool, sauna and a huge, separate second garage with its own driveway, which is currently used as a gym but has space for another couple of cars, and even a boat.
The property also has a solar heated mineral pool, sauna and a huge, separate second garage with its own driveway, which is currently used as a gym. Photo / Supplied
“Virtually everything has been replaced, refurbished or modernised,” says one of the homeowners. Photo / Supplied
A central vacuum system makes housekeeping easy, while Charlie, the auto mower, takes care of the lawns. Local attractions include many sports venues – including Lake Karapiro, equestrian facilities, excellent schools, weekend markets, parks and walking trails and the close-knit neighbourhood.
“They all welcomed us from day one, and many have become good friends,” says Pete.
He and Ange are planning to base themselves at their North Shore home and they say that they’ve always found the commute between the two properties very easy – often coming in at just 90 minutes, or two hours at the most.
“If you did decide to live here in Cambridge and work in an Auckland office, every evening would feel like coming back to tranquillity – breathing out and simply relaxing,” says Ange.
59 Cowley Drive in Leamington, Cambridge, goes to auction on September 12.
- Sponsored by Harcourts
