Step into your adventure playground

Inspired by the lush countryside, this sprawling estate near Havelock North is tailored for family living and entertaining, says Rakesh Krishnan.

This exceptionally private country estate, with views to the Heretaunga Plains and Te Mata Peak, comes with the promise of an enviable lifestyle. Barely five minutes to Havelock North, Matakana is the home of Hilary and Sven Straume who have enjoyed creating, renovating and developing the property over many years. With birdsong in the lush surroundings, ample sunlight and fresh air, life is blissfully uncomplicated here. While the property today is nothing less than an object of desire, it wasn’t always like this. “The interiors were a bit neglected plus the outside grounds were in need of a lot of work,” say Hilary and Sven. “The bones of the house and garden were there albeit very enclosed by lots of mature trees in and around the property. We could see the potential for it to become a lovely home for both relaxing and entertaining, and for it to become one big adventure playground for the children.” Considering the single level home has 311 sq m of built-up space – including five bedrooms and multiple living spaces – a lot of hard work has gone into refurbishing and modernising the interior. “Adding contemporary features while retaining its charm was a challenge but we got there,” the couple explain. “We also removed and thinned out trees close to the house and added over 250 sq m of decking to create an in/out flow so as to maximise the fabulous views towards Te Mata Peak.” Hilary and Sven also built a separate – 124 sq m fully self-contained – guest apartment, providing visitors with their own space, and in latter years a teenager’s escape. A property like this is meant for endless enjoyment and the family has made the most of the facilities. “When not playing tennis or swimming we enjoy tending our garden,” Hilary says. “We have transformed it into being more low maintenance and we grow most of our own organic produce in the vegetable garden.” When the children were younger they and their friends loved exploring the gully which has paths and a large pond. Just like the rest of the property, the gully is fully stock fenced and the couple now keep their two kune kune’s in the “pigs paradise”. The couple spend a lot of time in the spacious dining/kitchen area which is the hub of the house. Most rooms – with the exception of the two children’s bedrooms – open out to the garden. There are several sitting areas with different views plus you have the ability to sit in different places in or out of the sun with sheltered spots. The estate is ideal for hosting both formal and informal events and the family have had their fair share of parties. After more than 16 years of living it up, and with the children having left home, Hilary and Sven plan to spend a lot more time travelling overseas to see family settled in various parts of the word. “We believe it’s time for another family to have the same enjoyment and happiness we have had living at Matakana,” they say.