Character meets contemporary

Fine detail is a hallmark of this spacious, brick-clad family home at 10 Whalers Rise in western New Plymouth.

It begins at the street boundary, with the low brick pillars that define the driveway; one incorporating the letterbox. The detail carries on in the wroughtiron look of the arched fence sections between pillars along the side boundary. A manicured look to the front gardens here speak of careful attention to presentation.

Step inside the front door and fine detail continues throughout the 264sqm house, revealing a gracious character that complements the contemporary build of this early-2000s home.

You note it first stepping from the welcoming foyer through double doors into the lounge-dining space where decorative plaster coving, ceiling roses and chandelier light fittings introduce touches of traditional character, seen again in the adjacent kitchen-family area.

Windows in the loungedining room off the foyer feature an arched design that repeat the curves of those boundary fence sections, adding a designer feel to this property.

In the kitchen-family area, a full-height, polished timber fireplace makes an immediate impact. Its surround has turned details and frames a mirror above a Rinnai gas-fire insert.

The kitchen set into the back of this space is attractive and capable. Cabinet doors and drawers have a tongue-andgroove finish that brings in a touch of character, while a double wall oven and a gas cooktop allow easy catering for gatherings of family and friends. Floor tiles are heated in here, the foyer and family bathroom.

A sunroom off the kitchen area opens through bifolding doors to a sheltered sunny patio and more manicured landscaping. Sun angling into the sunroom most of the day would make it a cosy spot for a morning coffee or afternoon refreshments.

In the evening, you can sit in the sunroom or living areas and admire the outdoor lighting in a corner garden, where a tall decorative birdbath has its place. A light on one of the gate pillars welcomes visitors at night.

The hallway from the foyer leads to the home’s four bedrooms, separate laundry, family bathroom and separate toilet. The bathroom and ensuite in the master bedroom both feature quality tiling, with feature frieze tiles adding extra texture and visual interest.

The generous master bedroom allows extra furniture to make this a parent’s retreat. Its walk-in wardrobe has a small window that lets in natural light and allows easy ventilation.

Plenty of thought went into this home’s design, as evidenced by the sizeable storeroom at the back of the carpeted double garage. It could also be a great workshop or hobby area, with its built-in cupboards, space for a workbench, and a sink for washing up after working in here or in the garden. A door opens from this area at the back of the garage to the back yard, as well as another exterior door opening from the foyer.

A large garden shed behind the garage is handy to store tools and gear to tend to the raised garden beds. The lawns and boundary fences all have mowing strips, making grounds’ maintenance easier.

At the front of the property, handy off-street parking could accommodate a motorhome, caravan or a boat, depending on the owner’s interests.

Whalers Rise is located off increasingly popular Barrett Rd and its residential offshoots, and enjoys convenient proximity to a selection of schools and Countdown supermarket on South Rd.