LIFESTYLE COMFORT NEAR LEPPERTON

Lifestyle is one thing; looking after land is quite another. So almost a half-acre of grounds and a house at 86 Richmond Rd was just right for Hayden and Jade. That was eight years ago; the couple had just completed only minutes’ away from urban attractions, including the brick-edged concrete patio area to the side of the larger an OE, which included working in London and Perth, facilities in the popular township of Lepperton further up deck and the brick-based barbecue facility there. A before deciding it was time to come home to Taranaki. Richmond Rd. stainless-steel barbecue insert is connected to an LPG “We were looking for a lifestyle property,” Jade recalls. The appeal of life here isn’t obvious to the passer-by – bottle tucked into a recess in the brickwork.

“I grew up in Tikorangi and Hayden was from town, but it’s tucked away at the end of a short driveway up from On the other side of the living areas, there’s a bathroom, I always wanted to live in the country, so I dragged him Richmond Rd, with the slope of the land, mature trees a bedroom that presently works well as a playroom for out here.” and a couple of older sheds masking the house itself. the children, and the internal access to the integrated The smile from Hayden suggests he may not have been The top of the drive opens out to a generous concrete single garage. too reluctant and the quiet pride he reveals as he joins parking area across the face of the house and its separate From the dining room, a hallway leads to a second Jade in pointing out what they have achieved here says double garage. There’s a single garage incorporated bathroom, three more bedrooms, and the spacious he has enjoyed the experience. into the house and one of those old sheds is also an lounge of the original home.

Hayden and Jade are leaving this property in fine original garage, so there are plentiful options for vehicles The second bathroom is a completely refreshed space presentation for new owners to settle in and enjoy a here. with tiles across the floor and up to the ceiling, a full-size similar life here. Even before you step into the house, there’s a welcoming bath and a frameless-glass corner shower. Location will be a drawcard, no doubt. It’s just a short feel to it – one that Jade says she immediately sensed A gas Infinity system provides instant hot water for the drive up Richmond Rd from the main highway at Brixton, and liked. The original cottage here was built around family’s needs. between New Plymouth and Waitara. That means it’s 1920 but previous owners had extended it, putting in The two children’s bedrooms each have a set of French a new kitchen and living area and adding contemporary doors that open out to the covered verandah that runs comforts. the length of the original house. Hayden renewed it Hayden and Jade have added to those with their own with clear corrugated sheeting that provides weather refinements that make this home even more appealing protection as well as letting light into the bedrooms. – inside and out. The master bedroom at the end of the hallway is They start outside with the dark-stained timber retaining generous in its dimensions but also features a sunroom wall and fencing that provides protection and privacy that has its own door out on to the verandah. The couple along the western boundary. The windows of the recognised the potential for creating an ensuite here, house are also another improvement that new owners but that’s an option now for new owners. will appreciate – double-glazed replacements for the The lounge behind the master bedroom features original wooden-framed joinery that help make this another fireplace, this time a timber design and with home energy-efficient. a large gas-fire insert. This heater rarely needed as the Refinement continues inside. couple fitted an HRV system to carry the woodburner’s The front door (even if it is at the back of the house) opens warmth throughout the house. into a foyer welcome in the extension to the original Late afternoon sun angling into the house makes the cottage, and that in turn draws you into the open-plan front deck a pleasing spot to relax with a glass of wine kitchen and living area created by the previous owners. while keeping an eye on the kids. That’s easier with the A recycled internal brick wall defines the junction of old landscaping work the couple completed – taking out and added spaces, with more bricks lining the base of bush and garden areas and a mosquito-attracting water the contemporary kitchen’s convenient island bench. feature to focus on a wide lawn that has a gentle slope The slight curve of bricks forming a subtle arch in the down from the house to a lower level. wide doorway between the kitchen and dining room “We’re not really gardeners, so we made it as easy to is a match for the similarly curved line of bricks above look after as we could,” Jade explains. the open fireplace in the dining room. Hayden and Jade She notes the appealing view from the deck – down replaced an old cast-iron woodburner in the fireplace Richmond Rd and across the rural landscape to a sea with the new efficient model that pours out warmth into horizon. the home during winter months. TSB Realty consultants Brendan Crowley and Beau Timber half-panelling in the dining area is a pleasing Burmester are marketing the property, which they say is character touch that gives this room a cosy warm a rare combination of calibre and location. The address atmosphere. is coveted, they say, and the home offers warmth, The kitchen-living area opens through the full opening uncompromising comfort and style, while the extra allowed by the bi-folding doors to the sunny north face garaging and workshop space can accommodate those of the house and the large deck that Hayden extended all-important ‘toys for the boys’. from the smaller original version. He also added the Buyer Enquiry Over $595,000