Kevin Milne selling family home
Broadcaster Kevin Milne and his wife Linda are selling their family home after owning it for nearly quarter of a century.
Built on 5.6 hectares and bordering the Waikanae river on the Ka¯ piti Coast, it’s a tranquil spot that holds many memories for the couple and their four children.
‘‘The kids have grown up kayaking, fishing and jumping off rocks and into the river,’’ he said.
The property has a grove of Japanese cherry trees, a protected tawa forest and plenty of flat pasture with a goal for kicking practice. ‘‘It’s the kind of property that you just do as much work as you want to. It doesn’t actually take too much to look after.’’
While he’s largely retired now, Milne’s broadcasting career spanned more than 40 years, including working on TVNZ’s Fair Go from 1984-2010 and fronting several other shows. He holds the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contribution to broadcasting and the community and has often appeared on Reader’s Digest’s lists of the most trusted people in the country.
In 2009 he was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour and Linda had a lifethreatening brain haemorrhage a few years later.
Milne said his favourite moments at the house have been relaxing in the barbecue area at the end of the day, looking out towards the river. ‘‘You’ve had a couple of beers or a few wines and the evening light is beautiful and you get that feeling that ahhhh, life is good.’’
The five-bedroom house has three bathrooms, four living areas and a modern chef’s kitchen. The interior is warm and rustic with timber accents and an open fireplace.
Now that their three sons have moved out of home and their daughter Tommie, 17, won’t be far away from leaving, it’s time to downsize. The Milnes hope to build on a smaller block of land nearby, but that plan is contingent on them selling their current home.