Architectural design makes stunning use of native timber

Designed by well-known Tauranga architect Gary Denniston, this elegant but relaxed home combines the character of a bygone era with a modern but timeless look. Nestled in an exclusive cul-de-sac in a quiet leafy quarter of Bethlehem, the distinctive home is certainly one of a kind - both inside and out. Clad in beautiful cedar with attractive brick feature walls, it is nestled on a generous and well landscaped 743sqm (approximately) section. The property will have considerable appeal for both families and active retirees, say Tony and Melissa Gardiner of Harcourts Cherrywood who are marketing it. Facing north to make the most of the sun, the wellsized and immaculately presented home provides plenty of room to spread out and with its paved deck and sheltered barbecue area, makes entertaining family and friends a breeze. It’s rare these days to find a home with such a superbly crafted interior that highlights beautiful native timber. In this case, all the interior detailing has been executed in kauri, which nicely offsets the soaring ceilings and exposed timber trusses on the ground floor. As well as those striking trusses, the open plan living and dining areas feature finely crafted cornices, while lengthy picture rails abut matching uprights. One feature that will certainly appeal to those who enjoy entertaining is that the solid timber kitchen is semi-separate from the living and dining areas. A work of art, it has gorgeous tongue and groove panelled cabinetry and is equipped with a double oven and gas hob. It also enjoys a nice view of the well-manicured lawn and gardens. The home boasts an excellent connection with the outdoors, with bifolds stacking well back to open out to patios, a walled and covered barbecue terrace, and smooth lawns. All three bedrooms are generous doubles and two are equipped with tiled ensuite bathrooms. The third bathroom is equally as attractive and has tiled walls and a bath. There’s a large and well-designed laundry, while the internally accessed double garage has two annex rooms which would be perfect for scullery storage and the gear needed for home handy persons and hobbyists. Outside there’s ample room to park your boat or motorhome and thanks to the nearby motorway, you can quickly reach boat ramps, beaches and downtown Tauranga. Bethlehem Town Centre, which has a supermarket, food outlets and boutique-style shopping, is just minutes away. The property is also in the zone for the highly regarded Bethlehem School and College, and Cambridge Park and the Wairoa River are nearby.