A huge contemporary family home on 1149m2, a comfortable long low dwelling on a 965 m2 corner site, or both. The choice is yours.
These two properties (subject to subdivision currently in progress) were part of one of the orchards that became the special lifestyle enclave of Twelve Acre Wood. The current owners lived in the older home on the corner and when their orchard became residential they held back the beautiful site next door for their new family home.
The home's design benefits from the owners' intimate knowledge of the location. They spent a long time planning of the way they wanted their home to function for a busy family and how it would sit on this flat site sheltered by mature hedges, where established trees add shade and privacy.
The result shows design excellence in creating a home that both looks fantastic and feels great to live in. At 396m² and with five bedrooms the home is large yet retains a relaxed intimate atmosphere.
The various living and dining choices are defined by a mix of ceiling levels. The generous open plan space is divided by sliders from the more formal lounge. High windows (opened at the press of a button) in cathedral ceilings flood both living areas with light and air. Below these are wide sliding doors cleverly used as windows, set above the neatly trimmed Teucrium hedges along the wall outside.
Dark stained kwila floors start in the foyer and extend through the kitchen and dining where sliders link the north side patio. The kitchen layout and the variety of cabinetry demonstrate detailed planning. A tinted glass door conceals a butler's pantry with open shelves.
Interior designer Gael Garrett has worked with the owner to create a restful palette of neutrals with splashes of warm colour like the red in lounge drapes. The master suite is cool smokey blue, picked up also in tile detail in the luxury en suite. This peaceful haven is downstairs. Children sleep up. They will love it - a "landing lounge" to watch TV and four bedrooms in zingy colours, their own bathroom plus an extra storage or study room.
A high wall separates this property from the original orchard's house nestled in the trees and shielded from Pyes Pa Road. New carpet and curtains have enhanced a comfortable four bedroom home with open plan living, an office and double garage. The large site encourages further upgrading or perhaps visions of building new in the future.
It is no wonder the location is so popular. It feels apart from the city yet has easy access to the CBD, schools, shops, and to Rotorua, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui.
