PREMIER SETTING NEXT TO GOLF COURSE
5 Kotare Drive, The Green, Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth
Cherry Holden - 027 493 9344
RE/MAX Team Realty, New Plymouth - Licensed Agent REAA 2008
Golf was an influence when Steve and Sue chose the section at 5 Kotare Drive for their new home just over four years ago. They both play, and appreciated the access to New Plymouth Golf Club’s Ngamotu fairways just metres away at the corner of the new street. Kotare Drive is the road into The Green development, which created a premier pocket of properties between the eastern boundary of the course and the adjacent high-end homes of The Links.
‘‘We’d heard about this new development and came out a few times and looked at it. I thought ‘Crikey, this is a great spot’,’’ Steve says. ‘‘We could see the potential, with the golf course right there and handy access to the Coastal Walkway. We liked the philosophy of the developers: to create a friendly neighbourhood and keep the development in sync with the park-like surrounds of the golf course. We wanted to be part of it.’’
There’s a sense of something special when you turn into Kotare Drive – the first 100m or so is a straight, green-bordered roadway without homes. The first are built just around the corner at the end of this straight. That creates a sense of anticipation, says Remax consultant Cherry Holden. ‘‘It’s a positive feeling of quality and privacy.’’
Steve and Sue chose a custom build with Location Homes, working with The Green design guidelines to craft a unique home. It’s a contemporary presentation with rectangular lines and a low-profile monopitch roofline to help it settle into the surroundings. Honed concrete blocks along the garage end and a smooth plaster finish of the master bedroom end are softened by stained cedar cladding of the central living areas.
The section is 560sqm and the three-bedroom house 179sqm, which leaves pleasing space around the house, enhancing its presentation to the road.
A desire to embrace the sun helped position and shape the home; living areas project from the main body of the house to let the warmth and light pour in. The couple located the double garage at the rear to allow that to happen, and it has worked well for the living areas. ‘‘We get the sun first thing in the morning and the last thing at night.’’
That’s appreciated on a visit. Step inside the front door and through the foyer, into a light, airy, open-plan kitchen-dininglounge space that looks even larger than it is with the extra height under raked ceilings, which allowed taller windows and doors to let in more light.
The beautifully simple kitchen is a natural focus with its island bench design, white handle-less cabinetry, stainlesssteel appliances, and appealing blue splashback tiles. Timberlook flooring adds texture and a subtle earthy colour. Preparation space is more than generous, with the long stonetopped island bench, plus side and rear benches. Stacked wall ovens, integrated microwave, and induction hob make it easy to cater for family and friends.
Tall sliding doors open the kitchen and adjacent dining space to the sun-drenched patio, while in the lounge area at the other end of the room, a large picture window and opening panes frame the view across The Green. It’s just what Steve and Sue imagined; to maximise the location and outlook.
The patio is surfaced floating tiles that give access.
Steve and Sue also wanted a cosy interior and the amount of sun coming in ensures that most days. On dull winter days, the high-mount heat pump adds efficient heat for comfort.
The three double bedrooms, family bathroom and separate toilet are behind the living with level areas, with minimal space taken up in hallway. The master bedroom features a walk-through wardrobe to the ensuite, and a sliding door out to the patio.
The three-bedroom design is a pleasing option today, rather than a huge four-bedroom home, Cherry says. ‘‘It could appeal to young professionals, retirees, small families; even Aucklanders wanting a home here they could rent out until they are ready to move down here.’’
Covid has made many people aware that they can work from anywhere in the country, adds Cherry. ‘‘And this is near the
airport as well.’’
And if you like golf, ‘‘You can finish work at 5pm in summer and wander over and get a few holes in before tea,’’ Steve says.
The proximity to the Coastal Walkway is pleasing. ‘‘We
bought e-bikes and I often ride to the walkway and along to the Aquatic Centre for a swim. I can be there faster than driving through town and it’s a really pleasant ride with beautiful scenery.’’