New Homes $600,000 - $1 million

Clear about the grand American style they wanted for their home, the owners sought a classic yet modern approach – a theme that matched items of traditional furniture they own.  At the same time, the home was designed with subtle contemporary touches that suit the needs of three young children.

The result is a country manor blending authentic Virginia appeal with New Zealand charm – its semi-rural setting in a Papamoa estate providing a sub-tropical coastal backdrop.

Spacious at 361sqm, this two-level home comprises four bedrooms and two luxury bathrooms upstairs – both with restored claw-foot baths - a powder room downstairs and three defined living areas. Connecting these is a grand foyer – a vaulted gallery with mezzanine landing overlooking the formal entry below. Rich Jarrah flooring complements the white backdrop while intricate wrought iron balustrades and chandelier introduces the home’s grandeur.

A feature wine cellar tucks beneath the stairwell – painted white brick and detailed wrought iron gate – making this an outstanding feature of the home.

The library is classic American – dark half-panelled walls, built-in bookcase and a recycled rimu mantel hugging the gas fire. In contrast, a white stone hearth and white plaster mantel in the formal lounge matches this room’s different mood, before swinging into the ornately panelled dining room. Papered insets match the delicate floral design on glazed double doors between this room and the family room next door. This is the family hub – a relaxed setting for family time and connected well to the outdoors.  Its immediate link with the kitchen eliminates a breakfast bar - the island unit instead having a bank of drawers and cupboards for children’s play items.

Jarrah benchtops and a classic copper butler sink and faucet maintain the American approach of the kitchen – a bricked scullery continuing this theme into brick-fashioned tiling flashback behind the stove.
Bedroom styles upstairs cater well to individual family members – pink for girls, blue for boys and soft pastels in the spacious parents’ retreat.

Designed for a lifetime of living, this home has provisions for a lift and the daughter’s room is larger than norm and includes a wet bar for eventual conversion into a dayroom.

Lifetime living flows outdoors with white plastered Celcrete, clay roofing and South American Masara decking. The look matches the tone of the Jarrah and mainly white décor inside.  While not part of the original contract, the pool house and loggia entertainment space does show the forethought behind this home – decking providing continuous flow from the kitchen and family room.

The owners have a long-term vision for their home – one that creates practical space for a young family, but desired elegance that will grow with parents and children as they expand the traditional ambience this home already exudes.