Think Titirangi and you’re probably not picturing a big, relatively flat section where a large home and its swimming pool and tennis court sit out in the open, gloriously bathed in sun.
When Eva and Rod started living together they decided they needed a new place to accommodate their sizeable blended family as well as friends and family frequently visiting from overseas.
Eva, a dietitian at Starship, says: “This place is really special and unique. Where else would you find a luxurious property with space for everyone and no neighbours in sight; a nature’s paradise that still feels close enough to the city?”
She and Rod, who works in horticulture in Sylvia Park, both sometimes cycle to work. They bought this exceedingly private 1.187ha property, which is secreted away behind automated gates six minutes’ drive from Titirangi Village, in 2020.
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Beautiful bush flanks its driveway until the space opens up to reveal the sun-blessed 500sqm home with lawn and lavish facilities.
Rod says: “People are always saying ‘my God, I didn’t expect this, it’s like a resort’. You get so much here for your money.”
They undertook a major renovation of the 1990s home, wanting to bring it back to a level of quality deserving of its setting, retain its subtly bohemian feeling and introduce some sustainable features.
Rod says: “Our original budget was soon forgotten as we wanted to get the place just right.”
Work included re-wiring, re-roofing and utilising their all-day sun by putting big solar panels on the roof paired with a Tesla battery system, which has shrunk the home’s running expenses.
They fenced the property, put in a designer kitchen, renovated bathrooms, improved the master suite, and re-waterproofed decks with marine-grade fibreglass far superior to what was there previously.
A light-filled living area is graced by large windows and high ceilings. Photo / Supplied
The three-level, 500sqm contemporary home, clad predominantly in cedar, is designed to complement the 1.18ha’s gentle contours. Photo / Supplied
They appreciate the layout which provides four living areas capable of entertaining brilliantly. The three-level contemporary home, clad predominantly in cedar, is designed to complement the land’s gentle contours.
Many people enter through a door under the double carport, which is bolstered by a lower level garage and abundant open-air parking. A lounge and the light-filled kitchen-dining-family room flow out to a sizeable front deck.
The entertainers’ kitchen teams oak, stonework and high-end Miele appliances including a wine fridge.
Eva says: “It’s so tranquil and you’re so aware of nature, including the morepork calling in response to our cuckoo clock at night.”
Another lounge on this level accompanies three bedrooms (one with a loft set-up), a bathroom, laundry and powder room. Upstairs, the ensuited master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe has an angular white ceiling and its own lounge and office space opening out to a deck.
The entertainers’ kitchen teams oak, stonework and high-end Miele appliances including a wine fridge. Photo / Supplied
The heated swimming pool with its own changing rooms neighbours a covered outdoor entertaining area with built-in fire. Photo / Supplied
They utilise the lower level, with its big gym-rumpus room, two bathrooms, two bedrooms, lounge and kitchen-dining themselves, but part of it can alternately be portioned off into a two-bedroom self-contained flat. It’s great for extended family and guests but could also suit a home business.
The heated swimming pool with its own changing rooms neighbours a covered outdoor entertaining area with built-in fire. Eva learnt to ride her motorbike on the tennis court, which has also hosted basketball, hockey and soccer practice.
They adore Titirangi for its strong sense of community, down-to-earth nature and closeness to opportunities to enjoy and explore the outdoors. But with some children having flown the nest they’re ready to downsize.
Barfoot & Thompson agent Sven Highman says: “It is extremely difficult to get large land parcels, relatively flat, sunny and having a pool, tennis court and a home of this size in Titirangi.”
366G Huia Road in Titirangi, Waitakere, Auckland, is for sale by auction on October 9.
- Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson
