There aren’t many rural Karaka properties you can catch fresh fish for dinner from or zoom around on jet skis, but that’s exactly what the owners of 18 Urquhart Road have loved about their 27.21-hectare estate.
The lifestyle property is for sale by international tender closing November 28. The five-bedroom, five-bathroom property has a 2021 CV of $6.3 million.
It’s located atop a hill and showcases expansive views of the Whangamarie Stream, which leads into the Manukau Harbour. The couple bought the bare land, which they had long admired, and designed the house and gardens to suit their exact tastes and requirements.
“We lived across the road and this block became available,” one of them recalls.
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“They contacted us just to see if we were interested, which of course we jumped at. I used to put my electric fence out and shift my cows up here on the hill and think, ‘my god, imagine if I could stand at my kitchen bench here and look out this view’. That’s how it all came about, just from shifting some cows!”
The couple had renovated their former home, so improved on that design for this one, the other owner shares.
“It’s got a very similar feel but we’ve taken the best bits from the old place. We decided to build with Eden Homes – it was a collaborative effort,” he says.
The stunning, single-level solid masonry residence took two years to build and sprawls out over 500sqm, capturing a perfect balance of high-end luxury and relaxed, resort-style living. Extensive use of South Island schist provides a grand yet grounded feel and they tried to maximise the view as much as possible.
The stunning views of Whangamarie Stream and the rolling countryside from the deck.
The owners collaborated with Eden Homes to build the five-bedroom, five-bathroom, single-level solid masonry residence that’s a perfect balance of high-end luxury and relaxed, resort-style family living.
Victoria Wilkes assisted in bringing the interior design to life, utilising a striking palette of texture and tone throughout. An impressive five-metre stud in the main living area and wall of glass along the front of the home enhance the sense of space, with the oak accents bringing warmth to the kitchen.
The inside flows out to the loggia and solar heated infinity pool and spa complex, complete with pool house. The house is fully automated with security, lighting, TVs and music, which is all controlled from an app.
“It’s great for entertaining – whether you’re in the butler’s pantry or out at the pool, there are speakers in different zones,” she says.
“You can sit in front of the fire outside and watch the game on the big screen and listen to the commentary above your head.”
Accommodation is divided into two wings, with the spectacular master retreat on its own and the remaining bedrooms and bathrooms located on the other side of the living area. Along with the way it’s worked for their own family, the couple have also loved the privacy and how the incredibly spacious home caters for long-term visitors and extended family.
“The position of the house is super private, you can’t really see it from anywhere. It’s just a driveway disappearing up over the hill – it’s known for the driveway more than the house, because nobody knows what’s on top of the hill,” he says.
The family moved in at Christmas 2019, and the tidal waterway really came into its own soon after.
An impressive five-metre stud in the main living area and wall of glass along the front of the home enhance the sense of space, with the oak accents bringing warmth to the kitchen.
The family enjoyed hours of fishing, launching all their water toys from the private pontoon and jet skiing out to catch big fat scallops from the harbour.
“We had the most amazing lockdown here. Instead of panic buying toilet paper, we panic bought two kayaks and two fishing nets,” she says.
“Our son is a mad fisherman and every weekend he is down there pulling in mullet, kahawai or snapper – I got flounder for Mother’s Day in lockdown.”
The family enjoy hours of fishing, launching all their water toys from the property’s private pontoon and jet skiing out to catch big fat scallops from the harbour. This location also couldn’t be better for equestrian enthusiasts.
“The hills are fantastic for conditioning your horses and being in the heart of Karaka there are arenas everywhere, as well as lots of horse amenities,” she says.
The large 234sqm barn and stables complex is serviced with top tier Te Pari cattle yards and has attached accommodation. “If a buyer wasn’t really farm orientated but wanted rural living, it would be easy to put a farm manager in that space.”
Angela Rudling, from Bayleys, says the setting is incredibly private and beautiful.
“The driveway is overwhelmingly impressive, with the home sitting at the height of the hill and looking down to the water. It’s an ideal place for kids to grow up in a real outdoorsy environment – fishing, jet-skiing and canoeing right on your doorstep.”
- 18 Urquhart Road in Karaka, Franklin, is for sale by international tender closing November 28
