Modern Villa in Country Garden Setting
A large modern villa in a resplendent country garden setting with lovely views and wondrous birdlife is for sale in Manakau on the fringe of the Kapiti Coast.
The five-bedroom house, at 42 Wi Tako St, is set amid 2075 square metres of verdant grounds, complete with a pond, bridge and fruit trees.
Built in 2000, the 300sqm dwelling includes two plus bathrooms, multiple living rooms, conservatory and library.
“I love our garden full of fruit, flowers and vegetables, and the house is ideal for all the family,” says Liz, who bought it with her husband to retire nearly 17 years ago.
“We wanted to be well out of the city and in a rural area but without the hassle of a large section to look after.
“We wanted to have plenty of space for ourselves, our children and grandchildren — and a garden big enough to grow all sorts of plants and trees while my husband wanted room for his extensive book and music collections.”
They also couldn’t wish for a better location. “We’ve loved having easy access to the beach and the mountains, and the friendly village atmosphere of Manakau,” Liz says.
“Manakau School is within walking distance.”
Working from home while being within commuting distance of Wellington City has been another boon. “The house is well set up for remote working, particularly now that we have fibre optic cable,” Liz says.
“Now that the expressway extension is open, and ends a few minutes’ drive away, it takes less than an hour to drive there, or a short drive to Otaki or Waikanae to catch the train.”
She describes the two-storey house as warm, comfortable and occasionally quirky, citing the cherubs on the ceiling of the main bedroom.
All the bedrooms are upstairs with skylights; two also have balconies and wonderful garden views. One bedroom is used as an office.
Downstairs are the spacious open-plan living and dining area, large conservatory for breakfasting year-round in the sun (and even raising seedlings), and two sets of French doors to a covered patio.
A second formal living room has a large picture window while the library could be a formal dining room, office or extra bedroom.
“Because the house faces west, the sunsets are fabulous,” Liz says.
Both living rooms look out to a big metasequoia tree where kereru perch while the east- facing family room has views of treeclad hills.
“The kitchen is big enough for two cooks,” Liz says, “and we have had some wonderful parties here with room for 70-80 people.”
She says the office can accommodate two workstations and is well removed from the rest of the house.
“But working sessions are often interrupted to look at the tui performing gymnastics in the trees or the Californian quail running down the drive.”
“This is a lovely character-style home in a stunning setting,” Maureen Wallace, of Kelly & Co Realty, says.
“The traditional villa design works perfectly with the lush gardens.
“It has all the appeal of a rural lifestyle but with easy access to Wellington.”