On the edge of Lake Rotokauri in the Waikato, 66 Dromara Drive showcases statement architecture, while maintaining a sense of hominess within.
Built by current owners Annabel and Michael in the mid-2000s, the section overlooking the wetlands is not far from Hamilton’s CBD. Their brief for Paua Architects focused extensively on the features they wanted in each room, leaving much of the layout and design to their architect Geoff Lentz.
“Geoff did an incredible job thinking through the logistics of the home,” Annabel says. “He absolutely met our challenge for having a highly functional house.”
Colour played a big part in the design from the beginning when the couple didn’t shy away from the orange and green wetland-inspired hues in the first concept.
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“It gives the property such a vibrancy that you don’t often see amongst the muted colours and popular neutrals often used in interior design,” says Lodge Real Estate agent Megan Smith, who is marketing the property. “That pop of colour is not just surprising, but it gives a real warmth to the spaces.”
66 Dromara Drive in Rotokauri, Waikato is on the market for $3.8 million. It has a 2020 ratings valuation of $2.75m.
The extra generous family room has a double-height ceiling and wheeled furniture that make for a versatile entertaining space. Photo / Supplied
Both Annabel and Megan speak of the peace and quiet of the rural section which is at the end of a cul-de-sac, but with a caring community of neighbours.
“Dromara Drive is its own sort of executive enclave of high-end living with an incredible number of beautifully specced homes. It’s very private,” Megan says. “You’ve got that perfect blend of lifestyle slash rural living within minutes’ drive to the CBD which is attractive to a lot of people.”
Hamilton’s CBD is just a 15-minute drive away with upcoming road changes set to shorten the trip even further. Auckland is also accessible by car or train.
“I love living here,” Annabel says. “It’s interesting to hear it talked about as a very distinctive house that has incredible warmth and personality.”
One of the places where that warmth can be found is in the extra generous family room – the combination of the double-height ceiling and wheeled furniture make for a versatile space that has even played host to 40 guests for sit-down dinners.
Colour played a big part in the design, with the current homeowners taking inspiration from nature and the nearby wetlands. Photo / Supplied
66 Dromara Drive in Rotokauri has six bedrooms, three bathrooms and garaging for three vehicles. Photo / Supplied
Along with the grand yet welcoming principal living space, the house has six bedrooms – the master with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, a more formal sitting room, and a gallery featuring a large bookcase that looks down upon the living room.
Many of the rooms offer views across the wetland reserve, while a saltwater swimming pool, veggie garden, and an orchard consisting of Annabel’s collection of fruit trees are ideal additions to the home.
The couple are not moving far as they downsize and again work with Lentz to build another thoughtful house that embraces the environment just like 66 Dromara Drive. “In many ways, I don’t want to move from here,” Annabel says. “It will take someone with personality, but it is just the most fantastic house to live in.”
“There’s a special feeling I get every time I put the key into the door at 66 Dromara,” Megan says. “If I had the means I’d be living there, I can tell you that.”
