A horse-loving daughter originally noticed this resort-like 5.28ha waterside family estate in Whitford – attracted by the Olympic-sized arena, and stables.
“She and my husband were driving past, and she told him this was where she wanted to live, so when it came to market, not long afterwards, we decided to buy it,” says the vendor.
Moving in, 20 years ago, they set about adding their own touches to the well-appointed property, beginning in the main house, a handsome masonry masterpiece with tiled roof. Sprawling over a generous 610sqm, with high ceilings and huge windows this is the ultimate country residence – well-constructed and north-facing for maximum sun.
Many of the most striking features were already in place – including the spectacular ceiling fresco in the main house which is always a talking point with visitors.
Start your property search
“Building-wise we simply planned to extend the kitchen by a couple of metres but ended up doing more,” explains the vendor.
That kitchen is undoubtedly the heart of the home complete with a scullery and pantry. It features two cosy Aga stoves, one of which operates as an indoor barbecue. “That was my husband’s idea, and he just loves cooking in it,” says the vendor.
She adds that the kitchen is such a magnet to family and friends it’s often hard to move people outside to the first of many terraces, where there’s an outdoor fireplace and teppanyaki kitchen for extra entertainment capacity.
Vast living spaces, a separate lounge, and a private dining room – incorporated with the 3000-bottle wine cellar, add to the home’s internal appeal, while five bedrooms upstairs include the super-sized master, which enjoys its own balcony.
Sprawling over a generous 610sqm, with high ceilings and huge windows this is the ultimate country residence. Photo / Supplied
The resort-like 5.28ha family estate has a masonry masterpiece, a self-contained cottage and more accommodation above the stables complex. Photo / Supplied
There’s further guest accommodation in the self-contained cottage as well as above the stables complex which also has a wash-down area and lunging wing.
The vendor has lovingly tended the well-established grounds and a Monet-style garden, which includes a picturesque lake, fountains and bridge. Solar heating keeps the salt-water pool at a comfortable temperature, and the newly built pool house also includes a home gym.
With their equestrian fan daughter now living overseas, the stables are empty, and the rest of the family is planning to move north. “We’ve had an amazing time living here and we’ll really miss it a lot,” says the vendor.
Carolyn Hanson, from NZ Sotheby’s International Realty, says this is an exceptionally appealing property, enjoying easy access to Auckland Airport, the CBD, and top-tier schools. Golf and polo fans will appreciate the prestigious neighbourhood, using helicopters to get to nearby venues quickly, while there’s a daily ferry service to the city from Pine Harbour Marina.
The kitchen is the heart of the home complete with a scullery, pantry and two Aga stoves. Photo / Supplied
NZ Sotheby’s International Realty agent Carolyn Hanson says the property is already attracting significant global interest. Photo / Supplied
“Everything is of very high quality, and the current owners have spent a lot of money on features like the new driveway and tennis court.”
Carolyn says that the turn-key aspect of the property, with scope for extended family and their entourages, is already leading to significant global interest – especially now that foreign buyers can once again purchase property in New Zealand.
“I would suggest that local families need to hurry up if they’re keen!”
5 Birch Park Lane in Whitford, Manukau, Auckland, is for sale by tender, closing November 20.
- Sponsored by NZ Sotheby’s International Realty
