Cheryl Mackinnon often marvels at hearing nothing but melodic birdsong while floating on her back, looking up at palm trees, in the swimming pool in her family’s 1224sqm property.
“It’s so peaceful and private here. It’s been our hidden paradise for 25 years. And yet it’s double Grammar-zoned and only 10 to 15 minutes’ drive from the airport and the city.”
She and husband Don bought this Epsom property near Cornwall Park 25 years ago when their three children were young. The home is quietly tucked away down a driveway which dog legs, so can’t be seen from the road.
“So many people have said ‘wow, I had no idea this was here’. It feels like a hidden gem; like living in a resort-like sanctuary.”
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Their sporty family of five have revelled in having an entrance to Cornwall Park only houses away, with the children being taken to see cows and sheep when young and everyone exercising in it.
“For the past 23 years I’ve been meeting a group of girls at the end of my street at 6am in the morning to walk around the park.”
They’ve appreciated easy transport routes and having kindergarten, primary school and Greenwoods Corners’ cafes and restaurants within walking distance.
Cheryl is a personal trainer who operates out of her home studio at the tranquil property. “At the end of a session when my clients have earned a well-earned massage often the only noise we’ll hear is the sound of tuis. Once a client asked ‘do you have recorded birdsong outside?’.”
The residence has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple living areas and a double garage. Photo / Supplied
The open-plan expanse and deck with sound system is perfect for entertaining. Photo / Supplied
The family enjoyed the weatherboard home as it was, before extending the deck and adding the swimming pool. In 2010 they did a major architecturally designed renovation to suit their maturing family’s needs.
Their layout is predominantly across one level but excavation below created an internal-access double garage fronted by open-air parking, an exercise studio (which could have alternative uses), and an internal staircase.
The home’s bespoke front door opens into a hallway cleverly concealing a powder room behind one of its panels. The light-filled open-plan kitchen-dining-family room opens right up to an entertaining deck ideal for taking in the vivid hues of sunsets, overlooking the sparkling north west-facing swimming pool.
The open-plan expanse and deck with sound system invite entertaining, including their long-standing annual Christmas Eve parties. Their children grew up inviting friends around for pool parties and sleepovers and playing sport on their lawn.
Ray White agent Steen Nielsen says: “This is a home that surprises people with how quiet and private it feels, despite its central Epsom position.” Photo / Supplied
The layout is predominantly across one level but the excavated lower level accommodates an internal-access double garage, an exercise studio and an internal staircase. Photo / Supplied
Off the hallway, an office great for doing homework and a big living room precede the four bedrooms. The primary bedroom opening to its own small deck enjoys an ensuited bathroom with bath and a sizeable walk-in wardrobe. Three more bedrooms, a bathroom and laundry complete this level.
The planting a landscaper chose for their near-level grounds is now mature, including palms which lend the pool area a subtropical ambiance. Other highlights are a beautiful pohutukawa tree and an inground trampoline.
The 302sqm home’s layout is large enough that when two of their adult children pivoted back home during Covid, everyone had their own space. With children now living in London, Brisbane and Sydney, the Mackinnons will downsize and let another family love this long-held property.
Ray White agent Steen Nielsen says: “Quality properties that offer privacy, outlook and livability are attracting very strong buyer interest. This is a home that surprises people with how quiet and private it feels, despite its central Epsom position.
“Properties offering this balance of lifestyle and location are increasingly hard to find.”
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