Such is the expanse of the home at 139 Clayden Road, Warkworth it has successfully accommodated a family of eight over the years.
The owners acquired the property following a search for a home with space for themselves and their children - mission accomplished.
The home’s varied history is testament to its broad appeal and adaptability.
Hosting several owners and their various enterprises, the enduring 600sqm cedar home was built in 2002 for the family who owned ‘Death By Chocolate,’ a well-known chain of dessert restaurants in the ‘90s.
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The second owners named it Gifford Lodge after the locally built Jane Gifford sailing boat. They tweaked it to meet hotel standards and used the extra accommodation for overseas travellers.
“Constructed by local and skilled builders, the home was built from foundations, twice as deep as necessary, with concrete slab floors and wool insulation throughout,” the current owner says.
Every room presents the large spaces consistent with the rest of the property.
An immense 250sqm entertaining deck engages the stunning rural landscape, which the owner cites as his favourite part of the property.
“Viewing the sunrise and sunset, looking right around to Little Barrier, it’s remarkable,” he says.
Upstairs are four large bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an additional three decks.
On the ground floor, the open-plan kitchen is bordered by extensive living areas including a sizable lounge, music room, formal dining and breakfast room complete with a hidden cellar.
The formal lounge has a large raised-schist fireplace and views to the south over the township and northeast towards Kawau Island.
The home is supplemented with extensive guest accommodation, which constitutes significant home and income opportunities.
A two-bedroom apartment, an adjoining multi-purpose living space and two beautifully-presented chalet-style guest suites, this is truly a sanctuary from the city for family and friends.
The landscape is comprised of a trio of native bush, grazing fields and established landscaping.
“The home is nestled on a hill with six acres of native bush which bring tranquil native birdlife - wood pigeons, tui, and moreporks, it doesn’t get more peaceful than this,” the owner says.
“Looking south over the Warkworth town, the top of Rangitoto is visible, out to the Hunua Ranges, then east, over the top of Sandspit, you can see Kawau Island, and Coromandel on a clear day.
“To the northeast, you see Great Barrier and Little Barrier, with Omaha Bay in the foreground.”
Bayleys agent Dianna Coman, who is marketing the property, says, “This offers an incredible lifestyle of grand proportions within reach of Auckland city; enjoying easy access to the delights of one of New Zealand’s most favoured playgrounds – stunning beaches, coastal, marine and bush reserves, orchards, boutique wineries, craft breweries, golf courses, bustling markets, awesome fishing, diving and surfing.”
139 Clayden Road in Warkworth goes to auction on July 21.
