A FAMILY AFFAIR
This Greenhithe property has provided its current owners with an idyllic lifestyle, finds ERIN REILLY
Every home is built on different foundations. For Dedan and Kelly Percy, their home is built on their family — and it shows.
“When we bought this house, it was big and beautiful, but it was 20 years old and needed updating,” says Dedan. “The previous owners were older and had adult children so it wasn’t very practical for young kids. We refurbished the home from the ground up with our kids in mind, and have created a home that’s perfect for a growing family.”
The centre of the home revolves around a modern, spacious kitchen complete with large scullery that “hides a multitude of sins”. The main living areas open outside to the pool and spa, plus an outdoor room with self-closing louvres, fireplace and heaters so it can be used year-round, whatever the weather.
“The outdoor space is perfect for entertaining, but from a family point of view we love being able to keep an eye on the kids if they’re in the pool or spa or bouncing on the trampoline, while we’re inside preparing a meal or relaxing in the lounge.
“The u-shaped design of the house means that we can see the kids at all times.”
At the other end of the house is the kids’ zone. Two bedrooms open onto a second living room which is “perfect for the kids to play their musical instruments and games while we relax over a glass of wine at the other end of the house”.
Upstairs, the stars of the master bedroom are the twin walk-in-wardrobes and the en suite.
Also upstairs is a second bedroom and en suite. Originally intended to be a guest room, it has become Dedan and Kelly’s 11-year-old daughter’s haven.
“It works really well having her upstairs because she’s still our baby and I like that she’s right there,” Kelly says.
“Plus, our 15-year-old son needs all the space he can get downstairs.”
Despite the kids’ separate spaces, Dedan’s fondest memory in their home is when they come together.
“Every single night our son walks upstairs to tuck his sister into bed and say goodnight. It’s got nothing to do with us, it’s their thing, and he doesn’t even know that we know he does it.”
The Percys love the area so much that they’re only moving 300m down the road.
“Living in Greenhithe is like acting out a chapter of
Huckleberry Finn,” says Dedan. “You can climb trees, walk along pathways that are off the beaten track, dip your feet in the water at the marina, walk along the road during summer and pick fruit off your neighbours’ trees, then you can come home, sit down and use high-speed internet to do all the things you do in the modern world.
“Sections and houses in Greenhithe are spacious. The Northern and Northwestern Motorways are minutes away so it’s really easy to get into town.
“Couple all of that with good people and a very strong sense of community … it’s pretty rare to find that.”
Sale: Auction August 13 Contact: Jo Glancy, Harcourts, 021 994 874
“Living in Greenhithe is like acting out a chapter of Huckleberry Finn.”