Palatial private oasis close to the city

TENDERS CLOSE on Thursday for a palatial lifestyle property that stands out for its space, privacy and proximity to Wellington City.

The five-bedroom, threebathroom house, at 87 Woodburn Dr, Takapu Valley, sits amid 1.118 hectares of sublimely landscaped grounds, complete with al fresco seclusion, extensive flat lawn and formal hedging, a tennis court and off-street parking for at least six cars.

There’s also internal-access garaging for three more cars and two sheds for extra storage.

The 430 square metre roughcast-and-tile roof house was built 24 years ago and its specifications still exceed those of many newer homes.

They include full double-glazing, a monitored alarm system with camera surveillance, rain-sensor skylights, central vacuuming, hot water underfloor heating throughout the ground floor, a gas fireplace that can be programmed with a smartphone, and a designer kitchen with a scullery and hi-tech Blum fittings.

Indoor-outdoor flow is another distinction, with all the living and dining areas opening to sunny courtyards and terraces.

Both the formal lounge and dining room open separately to a large courtyard with an outdoor fireplace, firewood storage, built-in barbecue recess, custom-built table, space for a spa pool, and a substantial pergola.

The large family room opens up on both sides of its northwest corner to a terrace that steps out to lawn and garden.

It has a window seat and casual dining space, and is open-plan with the kitchen.

The latter includes a tiled splashback, new ovens, an induction cooktop, integrated rangehood, refrigerator-freezer and integrated dishwasher with a motorised door.

Also on the ground level are the first of the bedrooms, a study, an open library, a separate laundry, and a bathroom with a shower, vanity and toilet.

Another bathroom services three of the upstairs bedrooms while the main bedroom has an ensuite (shower, vanity, toilet).

The bathroom has a shower, a bath with a handheld showerhead and a vanity; the toilet is separate and includes a bidet and pedestal basin.

The main bedroom also has a walk-in wardrobe, three of the bedrooms have dormer windows and the fifth is set up for guests.

Other features include an open fireplace in the lounge, a gas fireplace in the family room, and polished floorboards in the entrance and library.

‘‘This is a totally private oasis in an enclave of quality homes,’’ Amie Lyver, of Bayleys, says.

‘‘It’s amazing to think you can enjoy such a luxurious lifestyle, with so much space and sophistication, this close to Wellington City.’’

The property has a rateable value of $1.9 million.