Peace and space on the rural edge of Hawera
A farm outlook at the rear of the house and a mountain view from the front lounge was the initial appeal when Nicola and Todd bought their home 15 years ago at 14 Buchanan Place in Hawera.
Buchanan Pl is a quiet cul-desac off McGuire St which intersects with Manawapou Rd putting this setting on the rural southern edge of Hawera. The peace and quiet around this address attracted Nicola and Todd and a talk with neighbours confirmed their decision to buy here.
The 1950s-built, three-bedroom home was originally a full weatherboard presentation, but previous owners clad the front and left-hand side in a honeycoloured brick veneer, cutting back on maintenance and giving the home a point of difference among its neighbours.
A generous 858sqm section was another attraction for the couple, giving the couple space for family to enjoy.
‘‘We can have family barbecues and space for our grandkids,’’ they say. ’’There’s space for our boys (dogs) and our children as we are a family of seven.’’
A lined and insulated shed in the back yard can also add to the home’s accommodation.
‘‘It has power, an ethernet cable, and tinted windows and door, so it could be used for a home of-fice, hobby room or a bedroom for a teenager.
‘‘The section also has plenty of off-street parking, so when family and friends visit, there is no need for cars to be parked on the road.’’
When their children were younger, the generous back yard had a play area and a pool - the rea-son why it is fenced into two separate areas at the back. That makes life here safe for children and pets.
With the pool gone, the focus today is on a barbecue area beneath the shelter of a custommade shade sail.
‘‘It’s great to sit out there enjoying soaking up the sun, reading a book or entertain-ing.’’
When the sun is gone, the home becomes the comfortable place to relax and Nicola and Todd have improved its features over their 15 years here.
‘‘The house is fully insulated and totally re-wired with a heat transfer kit. There’s a new roof on the house and garage, new carpet throughout, a new bathroom and new plumbing. Windows around the house are tinted to give you privacy and allow you to enjoy the sun.’’
The living area is at one end of the house and the bedrooms at the other.
‘‘It’s great if the kids are needing to go to bed and you have friends over.’’
The kitchen and dining area are open-plan, but flow easily into the front lounge through a wide doorway. A gas heater in the lounge keeps the living areas comfortable during the cooler winter months.
Family dynamics change with time, of course, and with just one of the children now left at home, Nicola and Todd are looking to downsize.
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