Spacious seclusion amid gardens with songbirds for companyletterboxrealty.co.nz/id

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A touch of country lodge blends natural materials with log-fire comfort in a home hidden from view on the fringe of town in Springfield. It’s a quiet cul-de-sac at the best of times, but with this house tucked up on a rear site, it nestles in relative seclusion. It’s a large site – around 1388 square metres – established gardens with mature trees ringing with the songs of bellbirds and tuis. Complete with a small lily pond and hideaway barbecue corner, nature abounds.

The house takes its cue from the setting. A master builder’s approach incorporated nature into the house – cedar and block on the outside, with significant use of native timbers inside. Heavy beams, panelled ceilings plus cabinetry in the kitchen and dining areas incorporate rimu and kahikatea to accentuate the timeless finish of native woods.

Not one, but two fires increase the nod to a country lodge – a gas, log-look fire encased in a rumbled feature brick mantel in the family snug; with a traditional log fire in the lounge. The feature surround here is a wall and hearth of chunky slate slabs. Cleverly wrapped into a corner feature with cushioned seats, this lowlevel setting fits the mood of a home that clearly loves nature.

Slate floors, heated underfoot, in the kitchen complement the natural finish of the rimu kitchen. Bar-stool chatter in this living area has hints of a saloon lounge, while the bar serving formal dining infuses further character with its kahikatea counter and drinks’ unit below. Finished with wrought-iron hardware, it’s a fitting look to match the darkstained rough-hewn beams with their horse brasses and colonial chandeliers. Even once the personal character of horse brasses and copper kettles are removed; the country lodge personality will remain and invite new preferences to make personal statements in each area.

The bathroom has been renovated and upgraded, but still infuses a love of natural timber with walls clad in diagonal tongue and groove. A large shower, bath and contemporary twin cosmetic vanity gives plenty of elbow room for two – personal mirrors and deep-drawer storage exceeding the normal space in bathroom vanities.

This is a home for people who love the character of timber, the charm of cottage taste and that cosy comfort of yesterday. Mostly, it’s about the space. Bedrooms are generous, all three living areas are spacious, while outdoor flow slips on to verandah settings before merging with the rambling gardens. Adventure and exploration for the kids and dog, kindergarten and school in walking distance; quiet corners for garden parties and barbecues around an open fire; plus, golf and sport all nearby – this place has it all. Spring buds are about to burst – it’s perfect timing for a move into this quiet haven