The best of both worlds
A central Warkworth setting and a big section were the perfect mix for city escapees, writes Sandra Goodwin
Outside- the- box thinking found the Forrests the kind of truly spacious Warkworth property they sought when they farewelled the hubbub of urban Auckland living. Relocating their business in 2003 was a key driver for Mark and Elizabeth Forrest to swap the Mt Roskill- Mt Eden border home they’d raised five children in for Warkworth’s more relaxed lifestyle.
They were keen for space and serenity for their large family so Mark started his property search by looking through council records. He says: “We wanted to make the most of getting away from the big smoke and having neighbours right next to you.
“We wanted the kids to have a bit of room but we didn’t want to be out on a lifestyle block with lots of upkeep requirements. So I looked through council plans for central properties on big double sites and targeted those.
“I identified four properties, drove around them and saw we liked this one, door- knocked them and they said ‘ yes, actually, we’ve been thinking of selling’.”
Elizabeth says: “It worked out brilliantly. It feels peaceful and private here seeing there are lots of mature trees and birdlife around. And yet we’re just a few minutes’ walk from Warkworth Village, taking the walkway from the end of our street.”
Mark says: “You wake in the morning and listen to birdsong rather than traffic noise.”
Viewed from the road, people often underestimate the property’s size, setting and facilities. The brick and cedar home with airconditioning and a ventilation system is on a corner site. A covered portico entrance off the semicircular driveway provides instant impact as well as under- cover parking.
An elegant entry foyer introduces a substantial line- up of recently re- carpeted downstairs living spaces which flow outdoors and are ideal for entertaining friends and family.
Decks wrap right around, extending areas such as the formal lounge with wood- burning fire and the formal dining room with bespoke built- in bar.
The couple have made considerable renovations
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AUCTION: SCHOOLS: CONTACT: ON THE WEB: * 4covered parks. and extensions, including an impressive kitchen with scullery alongside a family room opening to a sizeable covered outdoor entertaining space.
Elizabeth says: “We do a lot of large- scale entertaining and the kitchen- family room is just such a lovely, easy space to work in.”
Features include three Dish Drawers, two ovens, instant chilled and hot water and touch- activated automated cupboards. Textured pearl lustre tiles, silestone benches and rimu ceilings tying in with rimu accents elsewhere anchor the kitchen decor.
There’s a neat study- housekeeper’s nook around the corner in addition to an office with its own entry, suggesting work- from- home potential.
The guest suite has an en suite and two more bedrooms harbouring their own vanity basins utilise a smartly renovated bathroom with spa bath.
An internal- access double garage the Forrests use as an extra storage room, a separate laundry and separate toilet complete the ground floor.
The spacious upstairs master suite with en suite, walk- in wardrobe and balcony has enough room for sleeping and a seating or office area.
The 1606sq m grounds feature mature fruit trees, lawns and a greenhouse. The Forrests covered an in- ground swimming pool, knowing future owners who wanted could easily convert it back.
As well as the internal- access double garage there’s a separate double garage- workshop with its own entrance off a side road. This functions as Mark’s beloved man- cave. Bolstering this are two further two parking spots under the entrance carport, and a boat parking area.
The couple are selling in order to invest more money into their specialist glass business.