Nestled amidst sun-drenched rolling hills in the beautiful Ahuroa valley sits an immaculately restored villa that looks like it has always been there.
But over the last 20 years, 58 Hawkens Road in Warkworth, Rodney, has undergone a massive redevelopment.
When owners Michelle and Nigel purchased the property in 2004, it was essentially an empty paddock. A few months later they saw an ad in the New Zealand Herald for a 1910 Victorian villa which they immediately knew would look right at home in Ahuroa.
“Walking through the villa was like walking through a time capsule,” recalls Nigel.
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“One owner had passed it down the generations, and it had been unaltered for 94 years. There was a maid’s bedroom complete with bells to the rooms, and the home featured the original scrim walls, fireplace surrounds, pressed tin ceilings, ornate cast iron grates – even the original bath was still intact.
“We instantly fell in love with the architectural details and moved it from Epsom to its new forever-home in Ahuroa.”
Together, Michelle and Nigel have painstakingly restored the villa over the last 20 years.
“We took our time to make it perfect so we could enjoy family life and country living at the same time. We were more worried about the quality of the project than how quickly we’d get it done,” says Michelle.
The five-bedroom, two-bathroom home sits on a 6.88-hectare lifestyle block with paddocks, an olive grove, established vegetable gardens and an orchard, as well as a horse arena. Photo / Supplied
The homeowners bought the villa 20 years ago after seeing an ad for a 1910 Victorian villa in the New Zealand Herald, and transported it from Epsom to the Ahuroa valley. Photo / Supplied
Today, the five-bedroom, two-bathroom villa effortlessly blends historic elegance with comfortable, modern living.
Tōtara timber floors ground the home to its surroundings, while high-stud pressed-tin ceilings and ornamental fireplaces retain that sense of old-world charm.
Outside, the serene, sprawling property features an orchard, established vegetable gardens, an olive grove, a 60 x 30-metre horse arena with solar lighting, and five paddocks perfect for a menagerie of animals.
When asked what her favourite spot on the property is, Michelle can’t name just one.
“It really depends what time of the year it is. In summer I love sitting in the window seat in the main bedroom and reading a good book in the sun, while in winter I love curling up in front of the fireplace with the family while the elements rage outside.
“But spending time outdoors gives me joy too. I love watching our daughter Holly train horses in the arena – the views from there are glorious.
“Spending time in the vege garden fills my cup up too. I’ve loved the opportunity to reconnect with nature, be more sustainable with our living, and eating from the land.”
Tōtara timber floors ground the home to its surroundings, while high-stud pressed-tin ceilings and ornamental fireplaces retain that sense of old-world charm. Photo / Supplied
Barfoot & Thompson agent James Doole says: “With the land and, of course, the simply stunning villa, it’s just a really special property.” Photo / Supplied
Ahuroa is a tightly held, close-knit country community that Michelle says feels a bit like “walking back in time”, despite being just 15 minutes from Warkworth and less than an hour from the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
“Holly went to Ahuroa Primary School which was a wonderful way for her to grow up, with agricultural days, community events and all things rural.”
Barfoot & Thompson agent James Doole says 58 Hawkens Road is an immaculately presented property.
“It lends itself naturally to business opportunities like weddings or a bed and breakfast, with the right resource consents. With the land and of course the simply stunning villa, it’s just a really special property,” he says.
After 20 years, it’s time for Michelle and Nigel to bid farewell to Hawkens Road.
“This was a fantastic home when we were bringing up our family but now we’re ready for a new adventure,” says Michelle. “It’s the end of an era, but it’s time for another family to enjoy this beautiful country lifestyle that we’ve loved so much.”
58 Hawkens Road in Warkworth, Rodney, is on the market for sale by negotiation.
- Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson
