SECRET PASSION
Couple spend 22 years turning a kiwifruit orchard into a shining example of indoor-outdoor living, writes SANDRA GOODWIN
Many a weekend the Alexanders have happily not stepped foot off their lifestyle property in Coatesville, content to enjoy the striking two-pavilion home with pool and AirBnB studio set within park-like grounds.
Fiona and Gavin Alexander have spent 22 years transforming a former 2ha kiwifruit orchard into this special haven, complete with Paul Leuschke-designed home, studio and gardens.
It once featured in House and
Garden magazine. “To me it’s an elegant country home, designed to feel welcoming and comfortable rather than pretentious,” says Fiona.
Friends thought they were mad farewelling a villa in Devonport 22 years ago, but Fiona had grown up in a rural environment and wanted their now adult twin boys to enjoy a similar lifestyle.
She says: “I knew Coatesville school had a great reputation and it’s been wonderful being part of this community and living here with these big open spaces.”
Consulting engineer Gavin had worked previously with Paul Leuschke, who drew inspiration from rural buildings for this Zincalume and plaster home, wrapped in verandas.
It’s secreted away down a gated driveway. Fiona, a nurse, wanted a big country garden which they developed from scratch.
The main home’s two pavilions luxuriate under soaring peaked ceilings, connected by a hallway lined with bookcases.
The entry pavilion’s kitchen with scullery enjoys a long outlook across an outdoor dining area and down the solarheated swimming pool to a classical urn, flanked by liquid ambers and set against a totara hedge.
Fiona says: “We wanted the house to spill out into the garden to suit the New Zealand lifestyle.”
The polished concrete floors in the kitchen-dining-living area have underfloor heating, but they seldom turn it on, given the sun’s warmth.
This area opens to covered seating with outdoor fireplace and dining area, one of two veranda areas with roofs that flick up like eyelashes to allow lower winter sun inside. Two
“We wanted the house to spill out into the garden to suit the New Zealand lifestyle.”
bedrooms and a bathroom complete this pavilion.
Down the hallway the adult pavilion’s lounge, harbouring the interior’s second hearty fireplace, has internal sliding doors to shut it off from master facilities.
The big master bedroom enjoys quadruple wardrobing and an en suite. The Alexanders had lived in Indonesia, where bathrooms often incorporate an open-air element, so big doors alongside the en suite’s bath open it up to a private courtyard with spa pool.
The barn’s AirBnB, a bedroom-living space with kitchenette and bathroom, adjoins a high-roofed garage. There’s also a double carport with adjoining office and bathroom, a separate double garage and a tractor shed. The level 2ha property has subdivision potential and includes a potager garden, home orchard and carefully considered planting.
Buying the neighbouring 2.2haproperty, which is leased and producing kiwifruit, is an option.
Fiona and Gavin are downsizing, excited about renovating one of the Hobsonville Point heritage houses once used by NZ Air Force officers.
Precision Real Estate agent Nicky White says: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure one of Coatesville’s best kept secrets.” Sale: By negotiation
Contact: Nicky White, Precision Real Estate, 021 754 6679