THE PERFECT BALANCE 32 Range Road 4 2

Nestled amongst the trees, a minimalist architectural home in Swanson is a shining illustration of good design and balanced location, writes GABRIELLE NOOIJEN.

“Being at the house gives us an amazing feeling of peace, while being just 25 minutes from the office.

It is the best of both worlds.”

Plans for urban dwelling were quickly dropped once Anastasiya Gutorova and her partner Patrick Gamble came across 32 Range Road in Swanson.

“We were looking for a place around the Ponsonby area. But when we came across Range Road, we fell in love,” she says.

Designed by architects Young+Richards and built by Precision Construction, the single level cedar home perches effortlessly amongst its living platform, 10 acres of private native forest.

Certainly, it’s easy to understand why the pair became enamoured.

Anastasiya describes, “Being at the house gives us an amazing feeling of peace, while being just 25 minutes from the office. It is the best of both worlds.” The home’s borrowed aspects of mid-century designlight, space and minimalism have worked exceptionally well for the couple.

“The architects have managed to create a very modern house, with just enough of a nod to mid-century retro to give you the feeling of being in a Slim Aarons photo or the Hollywood hills,” she says.

Unquestionably, the home has been designed with entertaining in mind, in all seasons. “In summer, we like to open both sides of the house for barbecues, and in winter having the double-sided glass log fire makes the house feel very cosy,” she adds.

The entrance opens into the large living and dining area. The L- shaped home is laid with solid oak flooring and installed with floor to ceiling double glazed windows engaging the treescape and city views.

The immaculate chef’s kitchen incorporates a custom concrete benchtop and premium integrated appliances.

“We love to entertain, so having a large dining and living area with that amazing view over the treetops and towards the city lights is absolutely brilliant. You never get tired of that view,” Anastasiya says.

The home presents four bedrooms in total, including an ample master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe, ensuite including a free-standing bath, and views.

“We enjoy how private and peaceful it is, it’s the perfect balance to our busy lives. It’s close enough to town to take an Uber but also so close to the West Coast beaches and wineries,” Anastasiya says.

“During the lockdown, we spent time down in the kauri forest on the property, following the old tracks. There are beautiful old kauri there, some over 30 metres tall. Spending time amongst them on a sunny day after a busy week of Zoom meetings, surrounded by tui and fantails, was pretty special.”

Cristina Casares, of Ray White, who is marketing the property to be sold by auction, adds, “It is like arriving to your own sanctuary embraced by such beautiful native treetops and wild birds, just magic. It is a home that is like living on holidays and only half an hour from the city.”

Sale: Auction, August 18 Contact: Cristina Casares, Ray White, 021 333 615