If you’re attracted by a beautifully renovated 1880s villa, 30 acres, a lovely garden, stands of native bush, impressive views, trails for horse and bike riding, quick access to the motorway and two donkeys, you can have it all at Villa 725 ... apart from the donkeys.
This gracious home had everything the current owners were looking for when they bought it 18 years ago, although they had to supply their own donkeys, who are much treasured family pets.
725 Woodcocks Road in Warkworth, Rodney, is now on the market for sale by way of tender closing November 30. The four-bedroom, two bathroom has a CV of $1.5 million and is listed with Bayleys Warkworth agents Dianna Coman and Shailenne Parkes.
The villa was built in the Eastlake style, popular in the 1880s, and features fretwork with circles evident on the verandahs, ceiling roses and hall archway, detailed timberwork, and an exceptionally high stud.
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Originally built for James Paice on land he farmed in Mount Eden, it was moved to 725 Woodcocks Road in Warkworth in 1988 to a foothills setting with expansive views over the Kourawhero Valley.
“When we bought it, the previous owners had done some fabulous work on it and we just carried that on,” says vendor Sarah Smith.
“We’ve always loved villas, in fact we moved here from a Devonport villa, so it’s been a pleasure to renovate and refurbish this house.”
The home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and multiple living spaces, with a mix of vintage and contemporary character features. Photo / Supplied
It has been modernised with bifold doors and windows along the back of the villa, opening out on to the rear garden. The front side of the house features its original French doors opening to the wraparound verandah with its detailed fretwork.
Even agent Coman is captivated by the property.
“When you get up the long driveway you see something that’s gracious, splendid, incredible. It’s all finished so beautifully,” she says.
The interior design blends vintage character and contemporary features. Polished timber floors, jewel colours, ornate open fireplaces, modern kitchen appliances and luxury bathrooms are perfectly blended for comfortable family living and entertaining.
The estate is made up of the main residence with four bedrooms including a master with ensuite, a family bathroom, a spacious country kitchen, separate living, and a formal lounge. There’s separate, self-contained accommodation on its own driveway for guests.
There are extensive gardens around the house with lawns, clipped hedges, herring bone paths and patios, as well as separate, self-contained accommodation on its own driveway for guests. Photo / Supplied
The current homeowners say Villa 725 on Woodcocks Road has been the centre of many happy family occasions like a wedding and birthday parties. Photo / Supplied
There are extensive gardens around the house with lawns, clipped hedges, herring bone paths and patios. But it is the back garden with its sculptural stand of mature nikau palms, as well as young kauri and other natives, which Smith thinks is very special.
She credits her husband Tim with doing a lot of work on the grounds.
“This place has been the centre of many happy family occasions for us, including our daughter’s wedding and numerous birthday parties for our six grandchildren,” she says.
The owners have loved their 18 years on the property and Smith says it’s the special charm a villa has that they will miss most. “You can’t replicate the history and patina of a villa. We love knowing who built this villa, where and when. It’s a cliché but if only these walls could talk,” she says.
They’re not sure what style of house might be their next home, but Smith admits her heart keeps going back to villas.
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