A distinct European ambiance combines with a pleasing sense of solidity and permanence at the home and minor dwelling Peter and Pam Vroegop built on their picturesque lifestyle block.
Long-time NZ resident Peter originally hails from the Netherlands and the couple’s knowledge of European architecture saw them unimpressed with the building materials various group builders suggested for this property.
Peter says: “It amazes me that New Zealand’s building code only requires a house to last for 50 years.
“We’ve used imported aerated concrete here so this home and minor dwelling can stay here for hundreds of years. It’s been used in this country for a couple of decades but far longer in Europe, where they’re familiar with its benefits.”
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These include its level of thermal insulation (reducing heating/cooling costs), noise reduction, moisture resistance, fire resistance and more.
Combined with carefully chosen accents such as Spanish roof tiles, copper spouting and exposed macrocarpa beams, the end result is reminiscent of French or Italian countryside homes.
Peter says: “We wanted it to be elegant and timeless.”
Pam says: “One of our first guests after the home was completed in 2012 said ‘this is a house made of house’ meaning it felt real, solid and grounded.”
The minor dwelling is 25 metres away from the main residence and built to the same quality standards to house guests or tenants.
The open-plan living-dining-entertainers’ kitchen showcases beautifully laid, custom terracotta tile floors.
They designed their main home so that one end can be configured as a self-contained one-bedroom Airbnb apartment, including a kitchenette-laundry, bathroom, private patio and lounge. Otherwise enjoy it as a four-bedroom family home with one main living space, or three-bedroom home with a second lounge area.
The cottage about 25 metres away has been constructed to exactly the same quality standards, able to house family, guests or tenants. The home includes two bedrooms, kitchen-dining room, a separate lounge that opens to a private patio, a spacious store room and carport.
Peter predominantly works from home while Pam has retired, and both appreciate this 1.84ha lifestyle property’s tranquillity.
Their tree-lined driveway circles around a grove of olive trees in front of the home. Abundant off-street parking bolsters their home’s enclosed double carport and sheds.
The entrance hall leads into the spacious hallway, able to accommodate a staircase should future owners want to extend upwards. The open-plan living-dining-entertainers’ kitchen (with granite benchtops, solid oak cabinetry and walk-in pantry) harbours a semi-enclosed study in one corner.
It showcases beautifully laid, custom terracotta tile floors, a grand fireplace and exposed macrocarpa lintels, beams and barn-style doors feature throughout their layout. This space opens wide to a picturesque outdoor entertaining set-up with pizza oven, under a pergola entwined with a non-fruiting grapevine which doesn’t attract wasps.
The houses were built with imported aerated concrete, and have Spanish roof tiles, copper spouting and exposed macrocarpa beams.
The vendors enjoy entertaining or relaxing under the grapevine’s summer shade.
The couple love entertaining or relaxing under the grapevine’s summer shade. They often host family celebrations, with one of Pam’s daughter’s wedding held here.
Peter and Pam travel frequently so don’t keep animals but a local shepherd periodically grazes his sheep on their three paddocks. Gravity fed water from the pond is used to water their lush raised vegetable gardens and fruit trees.
As a result of the couple’s passion for aerated concrete they have started a company which will import it from the Netherlands to supply Kiwis. They plan to downsize and travel more.
Independent Agent Vanessa Killeen says: “This versatile property feels like a little piece of Europe. With two dwellings built of quality materials it may suit intergenerational families or home and income.”
51B Lennon Access Road in Stillwater, Rodney, is on the market for sale by negotiation.
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