HOUSE OF THE WEEK
A glorious oasis of garden, native bush and gorgeous birdsong is for sale in Waikanae for the first time in 28 years.
The delightfully-secluded four-bedroom house, at 46 Kohekohe Rd, was built in 1965 and 30 years later architecturally renovated by Dudley Roy & Tulloch.
It’s set down a long, landscaped driveway on a verdant 1960-square metre section with an English-style country garden, complete with old-fashioned roses, citrus and a large flat lawn, and a stand of native bush that includes a walkway and a rare white kauri.
‘‘This has been a much-loved family home, a peaceful, scenic oasis where we lived off the garden produce,’’ one of the vendors’ children says.
‘‘Coming home was like staying in a B and B. You’d have jam made from guava straight off the tree, apple-and-blackberry pies, hand-squeezed grapefruit juice and wonderful garden salads.’’
The home provided the perfect venue for the annual pe´tanque tournament to see in the new year and entertain friends and neighbours in large numbers.
They would partake in the competition in the sunshine while supporters enjoyed a gin and tonic from the shade of the trees.
The front door of the 160sqm house opens off a north-facing veranda that also can be accessed from the lounge with its gas fireplace on wetback and polished floorboards that extend into the dining area.
The latter has a window seat and bi-fold windows to the garden, where a lovely birch tree affords summer shade for alfresco entertaining, while the open-plan kitchen includes an electric range and dishwasher.
The bedrooms and bathrooms are in a separate wing. Two of the bedrooms open to the garden and the main bedroom has builtin storage and an ensuite with a walk-in shower.
Other features include a utility shed, double-garage with workshop, carport, and space to park a motorhome or boat.
‘‘It’s not just a garden, it’s an experience,’’ Jill Lampitt, of Tommy’s Real Estate, says of the exquisite setting.
‘‘You really know you are in the garden precinct — the English garden charm, the native bush canopy, the cacophony of birdsong …
‘‘You’ve never heard anything like it — the concentration of New Zealand birdlife almost makes you stop in your tracks. There is a true stillness about living here.’’