Kylee Davis was a designer in a former life, she says, so it isn’t surprising that the contemporary Mangere Bridge home she shares at 10A Pikitea Road with partner Mat Rankin and their children Munro, 13 and Neeko, 9, is full of thoughtful features and provides a perfect canvas for their eclectic art collection.
Ray White agent Jared Cooksley is marketing the house that they built two years ago by auction on March 15.
The striking curved shape of the house created by Fabricated Architecture makes a statement on the section. Photo / Ted Baghurst
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“When I was working in Onehunga years ago and we were hoping to buy a house, somebody suggested Mangere Bridge which is only a few minutes away and we quickly found the perfect property.”
The couple refurbished that house, before subdividing their land and selling it off, building their new home on the back section two years ago.
“It was very much a family affair,” she says.
“We encouraged the children to give us all their own ideas.”
The resulting house, designed by Fabricate Architecture is a perfect mix of privacy and views, which is what was intended from the start.
The curved upper floor living room is flooded with light. Photo / Ted Baghurst
The central atrium inside the front door leads to an elevated living, dining and kitchen area, which is vast and bright.
The kitchen is well-equipped and has a giant central island with a stainless-steel benchtop. The tiled black splashback is another standout feature and a cute little study nook is where the children do their homework.
The deck with its beautiful harbour views has a louvred roof and is used all year round.
Kylee currently uses the bedroom on this level as her office, keeping paperwork out of sight in the large wardrobe.
Downstairs are three further bedrooms.
The architects blended concrete timber and plenty of white walls to display the couple's art collection. Photo / Ted Baghurst
The master suite has its own bathroom and walk-in wardrobe and French doors open to a delightful sunny courtyard where she sometimes hangs a hammock between two trees.
“This is where Mat and I come when we need a bit of peace,” says Kylee.
The children’s rooms also open to the garden and another extra room across the hallway is essentially their own relaxation space.
With a reserve next door, and Mangere Mountain looming beyond it, the children have an enormous playground and they’re both sports-mad so it’s handy having soccer, tennis and softball right on the doorstep.
Because working from home for employers who are based in Germany has been so successful, Kylee eventually realised that she could do it just as well somewhere else, so rural life is beckoning.
“Ideally, we will build again eventually,” says Kylee.
The house has views of the harbour. Photo / Ted Baghurst
“Mat and I really enjoyed the whole process and it actually brought us closer together.
Jared Cooksley from Ray White, Mt Eden says that he’s excited about marketing what he describes as ‘‘a very special house’’.
“A lot of the properties in Mangere Bridge were built in the 1970s and are very alike, so that makes Kylee and Mat’s place really stand out.”
He says that most residents love Mangere Bridge so much that they only ever move within the suburb.
“I can definitely see this appealing to local empty nesters because it’s so stylish and easy-care and the views are fantastic.”
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