Oasis fits the bill perfectly
focus to the deep blue of the kitchen cabinetry, creating a space she really enjoyed.
“It’s a good area to work in and we’ve had lots of family in this open kitchen-dining space,” she says.
They also refurbished the main bathroom, choosing a warm, mocha colour for the walls.
“Yes, I do know what it’s called,” Shirley says. “It’s Resene Mondo. I think I’ve used just about every paint in the Resene range now.”
Outside there was nothing to do. The patio immediately outside the house is paved and furnished with traditional timber and iron garden seats, a dining setting and tubs of colourful plants. Low hedges define the garden beds.
The spacious feel of the house is matched by the grounds, accessed by a curved driveway edged with hedges and framed in mature palms. This opens out to a large, uncluttered lawn surrounded by trees. There are orchard trees and an established vegetable garden watered by a spring-fed irrigation system.
When the decision was made to return to Tauranga, Shirley was concerned they would not find another house with all the attributes of this one.
“It is honestly the warmest house I’ve ever lived in,” she says. “When the previous owner told us it had gas central heating we thought it would cost a lot to heat, but you only need the heating on for ten minutes and that’s it. It’s very well insulated so it stays very warm.”
She’ll also miss the friendly neighbourhood of Gordonton, which maintains a rural feel just 10 minutes’ drive from Hamilton.
“I’ve really loved the area. It’s like an oasis.”