MODERN MASTERPIECE

One couple have finally been able to experience the joys of living in a spectacular contemporary home, writes DONNA FLEMING

It was the view and the location that sealed the deal for Angela and Graham French when they walked into their Kohimarama home for the very first time.

The luxury house is located in one of the Eastern Bays suburb’s best streets and from its elevated position, has a magnificent outlook out to the harbour and Rangitoto.

A wall of glass in the open plan living area frames the north-facing view beautifully, and once they saw that, the couple were hooked.

But there was another reason the pair — Graham in particular — were taken with the house when they saw it back in 2013. Only two years old at the time, it was contemporary, stylish and immaculate, and needed absolutely nothing doing to it.

“I had always wanted a modern house,” says Graham. “We’ve always had older places and we’ve done a lot of renovating. I was tired of painting old houses!”

Originally from South Africa, Graham and Angela had lived in Britain for 10 years before coming to New Zealand and all of their homes, including their first Kiwi abode in nearby St Heliers, had been period places.

“It’s the first time we have lived in a contemporary house and it was so nice to move into a house that was highly specced, with great quality materials and finishes,” says Graham.

Having said that, the couple have recently had the exterior of the home painted, as well as some of the interiors. Extremely house-proud, they’ve kept the home in pristine condition, so that it still looks brand new.

Designed by renowned architect Alan Shanahan, the home is the last house at the end of a long right-of-way and spread over three levels. The top floor houses the living/dining/ kitchen area with the stunning views which can also be enjoyed from a deck on the western side of the home.

Next door is a more formal

“At the end of the drive, and just a short walk to the beach, this outstanding freestanding property offers stunning views, privacy and a luxury lifestyle.”

living and dining area that also opens up to the deck and has a view of the sea.

The master bedroom is also on this level, and includes a walk-in wardrobe and an enormous bathroom that Angela says is really “too much” for an en suite.

Down on the next level, the family bathroom is even bigger. It has hardly been used — when daughter Vicky lived at home she had her own en suite attached to her bedroom, so it’s just guests who’ve had the opportunity to use the generous space.

There are three bedrooms on this level, including Vicky’s spacious suite and a corner guest room with lots of windows that make the most of the fabulous views it gets. A study could be used as another bedroom or yet another living space. It has a kitchenette and doors out to a deck that is the perfect spot for a spa pool.

“You can keep your wine chilled in the fridge to drink in the jacuzzi,” points out Graham.

But another living room is not really needed because on the bottom level, there’s a big rumpus room, where Vicky and her friends would congregate as teenagers.

“It was so good having separate areas,” says Angela. “All the girls could come down here for sleepovers and we’d be at the opposite end of the house.”

A picture window from the rumpus room looks out on the swimming pool, which is cleverly tucked under the floor above, so it is covered. It’s heated and so are the tiles around it, meaning it is possible to swim in it year-round, which Graham often does.

The rumpus room opens out to yet another deck which is Angela’s favourite spot. “It’s a lovely place to sit with a glass of bubbles or a G&T.”

The Frenchs put a boardwalk through the tree-covered bottom part of the section and enjoy sitting in the shade there on baking hot days. They even have a resident tui, who they’ve named Fred, who is so friendly he’ll come within a metre of them. Keen gardeners, they’ve put in lots of easy-care plants, including bromeliads, bougainvillea and hibiscus.

Another special feature of the property is the fact that there’s a private easement leading down to Taranaki Rd, and from there it’s just a couple of minutes to the beach. “It’s so easy, we often take a picnic and go and sit on the beach,” says Angela.

The property is now too big for just the two of them, so it is time to move on.

Agent Steen Nielsen says “At the end of the drive, and just a short walk to the beach, this outstanding freestanding property offers stunning views, privacy and a luxury lifestyle.” Sale: Auction March 4

Contact: Steen Nielsen, Ray White, 027 557 8336