COUNTRY FLAVOUR
This award-winning home has been the scene of many happy family memories for its departing owners, finds LOUISE RICHARDSON
Geoff and Janet Philson say that their time in this magnificent semirural location has been what they can only describe as “a journey”, which began 29 years ago when their eldest daughter was just three weeks old.
“At that time, the home was a simple and pretty ugly threebedroom clinker brick affair, which had been built in 1949,” says Geoff, who — very handily — is in the residential construction business.
Transforming the home was a slow business, conducted in stages as time and money allowed.
The family never moved out while work was being done, so there were some interesting “camping” arrangements along the way.
Today’s contemporary solid masonry masterpiece at around
517sq m is much, much larger than the original house, of which very little remains.
At the heart of the home is Janet’s award-winning dream kitchen, designed by Sue Gillbanks of Kitchens by Design and equipped with quality Miele appliances, including a steam oven.
There is a huge amount of cupboard and drawer space and a bar where Geoff pours drinks while the family is entertaining — which is something they do often.
“All three [children] had their
21sts here and we also held our parents’ 90th birthdays.
“It’s possible to have 50 guests seated, and as many as 200 for a more casual party,” says Janet.
“Those are the kind of happy memories we’ll be taking with us.”
They also enjoy the luxury of a self-contained scullery, which helps to minimise mess.
There’s seemingly limitless open-plan living space,
“It’s such a substantial property, designed for a family, and no corners have been cut anywhere. It’s simply stunning.”
including a family room, home office, lounge and media room. Built-in shelving accommodates the family’s book collection.
In total, there are five bedrooms, including a luxury master suite and separate guest accommodation. There’s space for a gym or wine cellar in the basement and a workshop too.
Outside are many places for relaxing and al fresco dining and of course, the pool, which has been the scene of much childhood family fun.
The lawns and hedges on the 2023sq m section are neatly manicured and there’s plenty of room to romp with pets or kick a ball around.
Secure entrance gates, double garaging and plenty of off-street parking complete the picture.
Geoff and Janet were extremely proud when the reconstructed home won gold in the Builder’s Own Home category of the 2015 Auckland Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards.
Geoff is especially thrilled with the fact it’s a smart home with iPads controlling lights, sound, TV, irrigation and more.
The Philsons have seen a considerable amount of development within their neighbourhood, especially over the past decade or so, but it still retains a country flavour and zoning laws mean that the eastern side can never be urbanised. Many amenities have sprung up nearby and Botany Town Centre and Howick Village are handy for shopping.
As their children have long left home, Geoff and Janet are finding the house rather too large and like many couples in their age group they’ve decided it’s time for a change.
Angela Rudling from Bayleys, Howick says that everybody who sees the home is ‘blown away.’
“It’s such a substantial property, designed for a family, and no corners have been cut anywhere. It’s simply stunning.” Auction July 1
Angela Rudling, 027 477 0176; Michael Chi, 021 886 363