Elizabeth and Dean were surprised at how easily they found the ultimate Kiwi family home, 12 years ago, having expected to be searching for some time.
As well as a decent size section in a quiet cul-de-sac, their wishlist also included easy motorway access, good school zoning and, above all, privacy.
“I grew up rurally and wanted a similar environment for our children. We had two at the time and our third arrived later,” she says.
The section at 22 Reflection Drive is 650sqm and has certainly provided plenty of room for a sandpit, vegetable patch, the children’s rabbit hutch and their trampoline.
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Elizabeth has a green thumb and has enjoyed improving the grounds over time with olive trees and a striking display of palms, bromeliads and agaves. “It’s actually all quite easy-care,” she says.
The house itself is pleasant and easy to live in. Unfurling over two levels it has the all-important open-plan kitchen, dining and living area on the ground floor, with a north-facing deck for cooking up a storm on the barbecue.
The kitchen is big, bright, modern and well equipped while a semi-separate formal lounge provides the ideal place for adults to escape for much-needed peace.
With a separate laundry at its rear, the oversized 46sqm garage is currently set up as Dean’s home gym but is also handy for children’s play on rainy days.
The residence sits on a 650sqm section and has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple living areas and a double garage. Photo / Supplied
The kitchen is big, bright, modern and well equipped. Photo / Supplied
Upstairs the three siblings have their own bedrooms, sharing the very practical family bathroom, with its giant corner bath, while the bright and serene primary suite with ensuite and walk-in closet has gorgeous harbour and city views.
Elizabeth, Dean and their children are moving deeper into the country, and she says they’ll miss the unique blend of both worlds in this generously proportioned property with its leafy surrounds and a sense of tranquillity – yet so close to Westgate Mall, Costco and Northwest shopping centre.
It’s a short walk to the West Harbour Marina where locals catch the ferry to the CBD – meaning no queuing in traffic.
The all-important open-plan kitchen, dining and living area is on the ground floor. Photo / Supplied
The bedrooms are upstairs, with three sharing a very family bathroom and the primary suite enjoying an ensuite, walk-in closet and gorgeous harbour and city views. Photo / Supplied
“When we arrived, there was only one supermarket in the neighbourhood and no cafes but nowadays there are lots of them. The amount of development is incredible!” Peter Inwood notes that this is one of the best true kiwi family homes he’s had the pleasure of marketing in this increasingly popular part of Auckland.
“It was well-constructed, using the Hitex Diamond Cavity System, and the vendors have maintained it meticulously – both inside and out,” he says.
“This is a home where children can grow, memories can be made, and every family member can enjoy their own space – all while staying connected to the water, the city, and a truly exceptional lifestyle.”
- 22 Reflection Drive in West Harbour, Waitakere, Auckland, is for sale for $1.38m
