Georgian style and flower income on the side
When planning Georgian character for a home in New Zealand, there’s probably no better place than Cambridge. In this case – Karapiro.
While the vendors didn’t build this home, a chance viewing instantly reminded them of the UK – their original home before moving to New Zealand and life in Auckland.
It wasn’t simply the Georgian allure of the house itself, it was the lifestyle the property offered. With more than 15,000 square metres of English gardens and land, these owners took the property to another level by creating a small flower farm. They have supplied local florists and weddings over the years and say there’s room to extend further. The paddock is set up with a hoop house irrigation and flower shed, from which to sell flowers or organic produce. It could also be easily fenced off for grazing, if a pony and livestock is preferred, while the flower shed would make a lovely cottage studio for work, a bar for functions, or sleep-out for the teens.
It’s an idyllic lifestyle for family – far enough from Cambridge to relish the seclusion, but near enough for its cafes and boutique shopping. Being close to Keely’s reserve and the lake, there’s recreation all around – from water sports to cycle trails.
The Georgian character makes an instant impression that sparks anticipation about the décor. This is refined living at its best – faithful to the Georgian tone, texture and muted pastel hues. Built in 2007, it remains as immaculate and elegant as the day it was built.
Neutral coloured tongue and groove walls blend with a warm palette of subtle pastels and patterned wallpaper on feature walls. The elegance begins in a vaulted chandelier foyer before flowing through to living areas – generous space from formal dining to casual relaxation around a pellet fire, to a formal lounge and yet another fire. The kitchen is an entertainer’s dream – colonial cabinetry, two island units with bar-stool dining and counters topped in marble, plus a falcon range cooker.
Inbuilt-furniture is also a dominant feature – from dressers to library shelving – attention to detail everywhere and sensitive thought put into the finish and Georgian style. Four elegant bedrooms sit on the upper level – a sweeping stairwell befitting the grandeur of grand dinner parties and full-length gowns. Luxury extends to the bathrooms – both complement the Georgian style, right to heritage fittings and claw-foot baths in both.
Outdoor entertaining is an integral element as well – alfresco dining replicating the continental panache, an outdoor fire beneath a pergola draped with vines and a spa pool to soak beneath the stars. An extensive list of features and chattels enhance the lifestyle and opportunity in this grand estate – sad for the owners to leave, but priorities are calling them elsewhere. Lucky for the new owner.