Private, sunny and only a stone’s throw from the village

Situated at 17a Lucknow Road, Havelock North and designed by architect Morgan Flynn (Holland and Flynn), this 1970s home would have been well ahead of its time compared to surrounding homes when first built. It is what I would call “charming and captivating” with various angles, low windows and a design that makes the house feel larger than what it is …. it is something special.

With a soft neutral palette throughout, this home would suit any style of furnishings, but warm wood and natural fibres would really set it alive. Tucked down a driveway, off the road, this property offers absolute privacy and the only noise I could hear on the day I visited were happy tuis, busily feeding.

Warm terracotta floor tiles invite you into the open plan kitchen, dining and living areas. The layout of the kitchen has been well thought out with clever use of earthy bespoke tiles, pressed stainless steel work surface, Bosch under bench double ovens and a five burner gas hob. The semi-circle bench which incorporates the large deep stainless steel sink makes for ease of entertaining and you look straight out onto the garden. Stepping down into the living area, the wood-fire instantly gives you the feeling that this room would be so cosy come winter. Double doors lead outside making a great indoor-outdoor flow. The high cathedral ceilings throughout adds a sense of spaciousness and light.

There is a small room at the front of the house, ideal as an office or children’s playroom. The master bedroom has plenty of well organised wardrobe space. There is a tiled shower, a w/c and vanity. A mezzanine floor in this room gives added storage for your rowing machine or an office desk. A small outside room off the bedroom would be an ideal craft room.

There are two more bedrooms, both with well designed wardrobes incorporating rails and baskets and one bedroom has a mezzanine floor. What a wonderful space to use as a play area or space for an extra bed for a visitor, all safely railed off.

The family bathroom has a spa bath with overhead shower and there is a w/c and vanity with a stylish deep basin. Tiled walls and floor give this room a modern fresh appeal. Neatly tucked behind bi-fold doors in the bathroom is a compact but well organised laundry.

All these rooms are connected to a “den”, with built in shelves that would accommodate even the largest collection of books or would make a great computer room.

With nine doors leading outside, there are plenty of terraces and quiet spots for a cup of coffee, a quiet read or al fresco dining.

The private easy care garden is lush and mature. The camellias I imagine make a beautiful show in the winter and the wisteria is a picture, dripping over a pergola outside the living room window. Clipped buxus gives the garden some structure and there is a small vegetable garden that would easily supply enough veges for the table.

Tucked away in the corner of the garden I spied two gorgeous friendly chooks, with a fenced off run and chook house. How nice to go out and collect fresh eggs every day! There is a 2-car carport with excellent storage at one end. Hidden behind closed wooden doors, a workbench and space for the lawn mower and garden tools.

This is a home that oozes character, with well fenced grounds that are not going to take up all your weekend. It is walking distance to town, but still has the privacy that most people want. This is one home you will want to check out, my advice … don’t leave it too long!!