LIFESTYLE LIVING
A stylish Palm Springs-style property in Dairy Flat offers incredible views across countryside towards the ocean, writes LOUISE RICHARDSON
DAIRY FLAT
After years of leading a nomadic life in New Zealand and around the world thanks to his job in airlines, Mike and Linda found themselves with two New Zealand homes, one a St Heliers townhouse and the other a beach house, which they had built in Omaha.
“I began to find it a bit much, having two properties, and we felt Omaha’s sense of community changed a lot with the arrival of Airbnb, so we decided to consolidate and find something in between, perhaps a bit of land we could build on. But then, on a rainy day in July, we first set eyes on our amazing home at 64 Selman Rd,” says Linda.
“It immediately broke the set of rules I had devised, with its shared driveway, a flat roof and no double glazing but once we saw the incredible views across countryside towards the ocean, none of that seemed to matter and we quickly put in an offer, which was accepted.”
Designed by Andrew Lister Architects, the plastered concrete block dwelling was inspired by the original owners’ love for Palm Springs style with a cruisy single-level layout and floor-to-ceiling glass, which allows light to flood in all-yearround.
“We have young grandchildren, who are all very active, so this gave them lots of play-space, and with four bedrooms, there was lots of room for sleepovers.
A huge designer kitchen lies at the heart of the home, surrounded by an open-plan living and dining area which opens to an extensive covered patio.
Three of the four bedrooms are located in the next section of the house.
The master suite has an enormous walk-in wardrobe and en suite, while two further bedrooms are adjacent to the main bathroom.
The media room gets lots of use — especially when the couple’s son-in-law visits.
“He loves it in there,” says Linda.
Further on lies the fourth bedroom — with an en suite — next door to the giant studio space.
“Previous owners worked in the arts and this was a photography studio,” Linda explains.
As well as extensive grounds and plenty of covered parking, the property has a firepit and a swimming pool, which Mike and Linda had installed during their four years as owners of this remarkable property.
Having decided that it’s now time for a “forever” home closer to Auckland, Mike and Linda are planning a move to Hobsonville Point, where Linda grew up, near the air base. She’s very excited about the regeneration of the area over the past decade or so, and the couple will have easier access to the boys’ sportsgrounds where they like to cheer the youngsters on each weekend.
Jadyn Dixon from Ray White, Glenfield says that the views are what strike potential buyers first.
“Nobody associates Dairy Flat with views, but this house is just in a perfect elevated spot.”
“People also love the layout and the fact that there’s so much living space on a single level — that’s unusual, and it’s all very stylish too.”
Sale: Set sale June 24
Contact: Jadyn Dixon, Ray White, 021 672 123