Home and grounds sized for a family
By Mike Shaw
Family space was the main attraction 21 years ago when Lynette first saw her home at 137 Waihi Rd in Hawera. That space is seen in both the 1009sqm grounds of the property and in the twolevel, five bedroom home itself.
Location added to the initial appeal of this property. This address enjoys convenient proximity to schools, swimming pool, parks, and showgrounds events. It’s an easy run down
Waihi Rd and a turn left on to High St to get to Hawera’s main shopping options.
The home was built in 1975 and its two storeys give it prominence in a neighbourhood of singlestorey homes. The size of the grounds and the large established trees on the southern boundary keep the 230sqm house in perspective, however, and it has a pleasing presentation to the street. The trees also provide a partial screen to passers-by and extra privacy to life here.
A paved driveway sweeps in from the street to a generous parking and turning area in front of the basement garage and formal entry. The house is clad in a mix of vertical boards in a shade of French blue and contrasting panels in white.
Family life is focused on the downstairs space. On one side of the front door are a single garage and a workshop and rumpus area; on the other side is the large lounge and dining room, kitchen, main bathroom, and laundry. Upstairs are two more double bedrooms, one of them the master bedroom with its ensuite and space-enhancing raked ceilings. Both upper bedrooms open on to the balcony and its eyecatching view out to the mountain.
That upstairs space is appreciated, Lynette says. ‘‘The master suite is a great place to escape to and have time out.’’
Downstairs, the north-facing lounge and dining areas open out to a sunsoaked outdoor entertaining space – a courtyard area of pavers and raised timber decking with a swimming pool to cool off in on a hot summer’s day. It’s easy to imagine friends and family gathered here for a barbecue on a sunny afternoon, with the camaraderie extending into a cooler evening.
The fenced rear grounds are a safe space for children and pets, and there’s plenty of room for all sorts of family games and fun.
‘‘We have really enjoyed having the space for our family to grow in and enjoy,’’ Lynette says.
Those memories will stay with her as she moves on. She says that, after 21 years here, and with family grown and gone, it’s now time to downsize. ‘‘This would suit another family now, who are looking for space.’’
Smith+Bishop consultant Khali Bishop agrees. ‘‘This is family living at its finest. Homes like this are hard to come by, and this has a lot to offer its new owners – a spacious home split over two