It was a love of nature and passion for the New Zealand landscape that compelled the owners of this gracious 1.16ha Drury estate to bring it to life.
“We’ve always been very keen on native birds and native trees,” one of them explains.
“We’d used a landscaper for the last two houses that we’d built and she always said, ‘plant the trees and the birds will come’. So we decided that next house we built would have a native garden, and that’s what we did.”
They designed and built their home 18 years ago to sprawl out over one single level, with solid brick construction plastered over for a durable, low-maintenance finish. The impressive 410sqm floor plan incorporates five bedrooms, two bathrooms and two expansive living areas, with soaring ceilings and generous proportions enhancing the sense of space throughout.
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While grand and elegant, interiors exude the inviting comfort of a luxury lodge, thanks to the palette of natural materials utilised and considered design that brings the outside in.
“I always wanted a house that incorporated natural stone, so we sourced the hand split Bombay Stone from a local quarry for all the columns.”
From the grand entrance foyer, the living spaces flow into the chef’s kitchen. Designed for easy entertaining, it incorporates a walk-in pantry, double oven, built-in microwave and breakfast bar. Extras like the gas fireplace, central heating and surround sound ensure all-year-round comfort.
“We’ve really, really enjoyed it here, it’s such an easy house to live in. It faces north so it captures a lot of sun.”
While grand and elegant, the interiors exude the inviting comfort of a luxury lodge. Photo / Supplied
The inside flows out to the expansive decks, patios and sweeping lawns that envelop them. Photo / Supplied
As well as natural light, the orientation also captures spectacular city and countryside views.
The inside flows out to the expansive decks, patios and sweeping lawns that envelop them home, with the covered patio featuring a large outdoor fireplace.
Grounds have been exquisitely landscaped over time to create a truly tranquil haven, with the owners’ new planting feeding into the existing native bush.
“I spent a lot of time in the early stages planting about 30 or 40 kauri trees in the bush area and they’re now about three metres tall. There are also lots of volcanic boulders located around the property. Most of the trees on the south side of the house would be a couple of hundred years old – rimu, kahikateas and puriri – and they provide great shelter from the prevailing sou’wester.”
Designed for easy entertaining, the chef’s kitchen incorporates a walk-in pantry, double oven, built-in microwave and breakfast bar. Photo / Supplied
The impressive 410sqm floor plan incorporates five bedrooms, two bathrooms and two expansive living areas, with soaring ceilings and generous proportions. Photo / Supplied
The couple have also adored the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature’s cycles. “Last year we had a kereru nesting in a tree that we could have reached up and touched. So we were able to sit and watch it hatch its eggs and feed its young – just awesome.”
After nearly two decades, they now plan to scale down and spend more time at their bach in Whangamata.
Grace Wong and Les Hoverd, from Harcourts, are selling the property, and Wong says the owners have put so much love into it. “The home is gorgeous and designed to be really grand and luxurious.”
28 Macwhinney Drive in Drury, Papakura, Auckland, goes to auction on October 20.
- Sponsored by Harcourts
