FROM CLUBHOUSE TO FAMILY HOME
There are probably quite a few Kiwis who’d give their eye teeth to actually live at their golf club, but golf had nothing to do with Greg and Penny Boakes’ decision to buy the original clubhouse for the golf course at Warkworth.
They were driven by the need for a very large home to house a big family, and the property at 17 Golf Road in Warkworth was one in a million in terms of space, location, quality and potential.
There was the odd thing missing – a lounge, for example – but there was certainly plenty of room to create one, and the couple had a major renovation in mind anyway.
They added a big lounge, an adjoining family room and a study nook that all open through stackers to a covered outdoor entertaining area.
Alongside is a spacious dining room that can accommodate a 16-seater dining table, and a smart grey kitchen with stainless steel appliances and an island bench that is open to the dining space. The second storey, originally occupied by a large hall and a bar, became the sleeping quarters and the couple turned the space into nine bedrooms, most with ensuites.
Clever design enabled views from almost every window.
In a more recent renovation, Greg and Penny decided to join two of the smaller rooms into one, creating a big bedroom with an ensuite for their daughter.
They also opened up the deck area, added new ranchsliders and a new balustrade, and installed pillars under the deck – a finishing touch to the style of the house they had always wanted.
The private master suite downstairs has a fully tiled ensuite with underfloor heating, twin vanities and a walk-in shower. There's a walkin wardrobe plus a second dressing room/storage area.
Also on this level is a laundry room, drying room, a utility room, family bathroom and ample storage.
The area in front of the house was re-sculpted to create a flat lawn bordered by a wellplanted garden with views towards Ascension Vineyard.
A bush area on one side creates separation from neighbouring homes.
Turning the clubhouse into a very liveable, custom-designed home was “quite an experience” for the family and it has served them well for the past several years.
Tenders for the property close on June 17, and Greg and Penny are looking for a smaller property in the same area.
“This is a great location; we love it,” Greg says.
The Matakana link Road that’ll join up to the new motorway extension (due for completion this time next year) will make the location even more desirable.
The house is a short drive south to Warkworth and north to Matakana and within easy reach of the Matakana Coast’s abundant wineries, beaches, and regional parks.
And, understandably, it’s a mere stone's throw away from the Warkworth Golf Course, although that proximity is wasted on Greg and Penny, who don’t play.
Sale: Tenders close June 17 Contact: Anthony Shaw, Bayleys, 021 234 9797
The house is a short drive south to Warkworth and north to Matakana and within easy reach of the Matakana Coast’s abundant wineries, beaches, and regional parks.