“Our twins, who are teenagers now, have enjoyed the most fantastic Kiwi upbringing here,” says Twiggy, who has shared this sprawling, luxurious Whitford property on 1.93 hectares, with her partner Megan.
They bought their home in 2009, having recently emigrated from South Africa, with their then two-year-old son and daughter, and quickly set about turning it into something very safe and special – far removed from the often-dangerous environment they’d left behind.
“We knocked down trees, planted hedges and fences and generally ensured that our little ones and their pets could run free,” Twiggy explains.
“Then we created extensive outdoor living areas, as well as installing a flying fox, swings and a trampoline. It’s all been idyllic. We had two paddocks open for stock and our lovely neighbour has always kept sheep there.”
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As well as extending, improving and enhancing their home’s interiors, the couple also built a 144sqm two-bedroom cottage for Twiggy’s mum Colleen, who came from South Africa to join her family.
287 Clifton Road in Whitford, Manukau, is for sale by tender closing March 28. The six-bedroom, five-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $4.225 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 2009 for $1.85m.
The idyllic property has extensive outdoor living areas, as well as a flying fox, swings, a trampoline, swimming pool and spa. Photo / Supplied
The main house has four bedrooms, open-plan kitchen and dining, and multiple living areas. Photo / Supplied
The main house enjoys a plethora of vast, bright, sunny open-plan areas, with a designer kitchen at its heart.
Twiggy says she’s lost track of the number of significant occasions that have taken place at the home. “We’ve had lots of birthday celebrations as well as Christmas, Easter and other important events.”
Most of the adjacent formal and informal living and dining zones open to outdoor spaces, including decks and patios, for recreation and relaxation. “We entertain outside all year round and we simply pull down the blinds and light the fire when it’s cold or raining,” she adds.
The house boasts generous bedrooms, which include the master suite with its walk-in wardrobe and luxury ensuite, and the twins have had the bonus of access to study and rumpus areas. The overall vibe of Twiggy and Megan’s home has encouraged lots of interaction with the twins’ friends and local cousins.
Twiggy says that she is an absolute stickler for care and maintenance. “If I even see a small mark on a wall, I deal with it immediately.”
The 144sqm two-bedroom cottage was built for an in-law. Photo / Supplied
The 1.93-hectare property is “a magnificent option for extended family in Whitford”, says Bayleys agent Angela Rudling. Photo / Supplied
She’s also very keen on DIY and has enjoyed the luxury of extensive garaging and workshop space.
“I must also say that we have absolutely loved the local community here in Whitford. The golf courses, the tennis club and the ferry to the city are really amazing and everybody is incredibly friendly – plus we’re close to the airport,” she adds.
Twiggy and Megan, along with Colleen, are planning to move to Australia, where the twins are due to start university. Nicholas will be studying law while Hannah is focused on a business career.
“We have very mixed feelings and it’s hard to imagine living anywhere but here in this house,” says Twiggy, “but having a much smaller property over there will hopefully give us a new sense of freedom.”
Listing agent Angela Rudling, from Bayleys, who is marketing the property with Michael Chi, says that this is undeniably a superior offering. “It’s a magnificent option for extended family living right in the heart of Whitford.”
- 287 Clifton Road in Whitford, Manukau, is for sale via tender closing March 28
