Although he wasn’t in the market to purchase a new home, let alone in Kumeu, the pull of a Fearon Hay design was just too strong for the owner of 23 Foster Road.
“I wasn’t even looking but as soon as I saw the house, I had to have it,” he says. “I had always admired Fearon Hay’s work and it was always a dream to own one of their properties in the future, however the future came a lot sooner than I had anticipated!”
This is not just one of the acclaimed architectural practice’s usual commissions, it was the home Tim Hay (one half of the award-winning duo) designed for himself and his family.
Hay and wife Alison called it “The Long House”, which is about as perfect a description as it gets.
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The four-bedroom home is about 50m long – a single structure that extends out dramatically from the front entrance to suspend above the land and native bush at the rear.
It has a pitched roof and is encased in copper and dark metal shutters, which create a striking juxtaposition against the lush rural backdrop.
The current owners purchased it off them around five years ago and it’s the simplicity and materiality they love so much about Tim Hay’s work here. “It’s a classic design that’s timeless. The copper patinas over time so just keeps getting better and better with age.”
The design drama continues inside in a completely unpretentious way. “It’s clean and quite minimalist and ticks a lot of boxes without being too ornate. It’s still a home, it’s not like you’re living in a gallery. Tim and Alison lived here with their two kids, two dogs and a cat.
Architect Tim Hay and his wife Alison called the residence “The Long House”. Photo / Supplied
The interior is clean and minimalist, focusing the attention on the view framed by large windows and sliding doors. Photo / Supplied
“It’s robust, you don’t have to be too precious. In the past five years it’s only been the two of us so it’s taken on a different form as far as the day-to-day living in it.”
The fact that this is an architect’s own home comes with a host of benefits.
“We’ve got the best of the best. We’ve got Boffi taps throughout, a Wolf oven and Subzero fridges, as well as marble finishes, French oak imported from France and brass panelling in kitchen.
“That’s what Fearon Hay are known for – it’s that attention to detail you just don’t get in normal builds.”
The master suite is in the front of the home, with the media room, three additional bedrooms and family bathroom located along the hallway. The voluminous kitchen, living and dining space opens out at the rear, with walls of glass around the perimeter showcasing the property beyond.
The home has covered parking for two vehicles surrounded by a lush environment. Photo / Supplied
The master suite is in the front of the home, with the media room, three additional bedrooms and family bathroom located along the hallway. Photo / Supplied
“Proportionally they’re all big spaces so you don’t feel enclosed and the aspects are so clever. All the bedrooms, living, dining and kitchen are all north-facing, so you get the most beautiful sunrises coming through the trees and then the beautiful sunsets.”
Alison Hay is an award-winning horse rider, so the property was originally designed as an equine estate.
“I bought it for the architecture, we’re not horsey people, but it’s got an Olympic-sized arena, post and rail fencing, five stables and a day paddock. The property also has a beautiful creek, little waterfall and swimming hole (with eels) that you can hear and see from the lounge.”
Despite the peaceful setting, he says Kumeu is only 20-25 minutes from Ponsonby and the CBD. Work down south is now calling, meaning the owners are selling with very heavy hearts.
“It’s been a wonderful five years and it’s with regret that we’re moving on – it’s been a very hard decision,” says the owner. “We’re passing it on to the new custodians and hopefully they’ll appreciate and love it just as much as we have.”
Bayleys agent Ailsa McArthur says: “It’s unmistakably Fearon Hay, where it’s so elegant and has an awe-inspiring feel about it.” Photo / Supplied
Ailsa McArthur, from Bayleys, is selling the property with Jethro Riggans and says it’s totally breathtaking.
“The synergy between the setting of the home and the land has been done incredibly well. When you’re there, you could be anywhere in New Zealand. It’s unmistakably Fearon Hay, where it’s so elegant and has an awe-inspiring feel about it.”
23 Foster Road in Kumeu, Rodney, goes to auction on May 27.
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