It was the grounds, space and openness that first captivated the owners of this 1.0491-hectare, resort-style Riverhead retreat, and their subsequent purchase of it ended up being a reverse downsize for the couple.
“We were living in an apartment after selling our big family home in Mount Eden and decided that we didn’t have enough to do,” Jean laughs.
They also had visions of having enough room to gather their two sons and grandchildren and their friends, who live both locally and overseas, together to relax, enjoy and celebrate in paradise.
“With family living in Singapore, we thought that when they came home to stay, we’d like to house them all together,” she says.
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Jean also grew up out West, so was always keen to get back to her roots and head out that way again.
The couple’s son Ryan shares, “I remember going to Christmases on the farm at Grandma’s, which is now Pak’nSave Westgate. We would have these big functions with all the family and cousins, and that was the concept that Mum and Dad were trying to reintroduce here.”
Jean says: “I wanted to make memories for my grandchildren of having open spaces.”
338 Old North Road in Riverhead, Rodney, is for sale by deadline sale closing December 20. The five-bedroom, two-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $2.15 million.
The five-bedroom, two-bathroom property has a double garage and off-street parking, multiple living zones and a swimming pool on 1.05 hectares of land. Photo / Supplied
Timeless and well-considered architectural design of the substantial 350sqm home makes the most of the magnificent setting. Photo / Supplied
Automated electric gates open into the elevated property, which incorporates beautifully landscaped grounds, lush gardens, a saltwater pool complex and sweeping lawns. Timeless and well-considered architectural design makes the most of the magnificent setting and showcases it via a profusion of glass throughout the substantial 350sqm home.
Solid brick and cedar construction is enhanced with warm Fijian kauri detailing inside, with unique lines and angles creating visual interest and an innate sense of space and flow.
“It faces north for the sun,” says Jean.
“It comes into the main bedroom in the morning then works its way around throughout the day. It’s a great place for entertaining people – there are lovely big spaces with everything designed for indoor/outdoor living.”
An abundance of living zones on the ground floor offer superb flexibility and separation. Family and visitors can gather around the engineered stone island bench in the chef’s kitchen, in front of the sunken lounge’s wood fire, or spill out onto the expansive decks and poolside terraces.
Ryan fondly recalls summer days swimming with his daughter Sophia and friends.
“We’d have pool parties where the adults could kick back and the kids would be in the pool on their floaties. Everything came together, just like Mum and Dad wanted it to,” he says.
Solid brick and cedar construction is enhanced with warm Fijian kauri detailing inside. Photo / Supplied
The owners of 338 Old North Road in Riverhead have hosted many parties and gatherings for family and friends over the years. Photo / Supplied
Jean’s favourite spot is the paved area outside, intertwined with Mondo grass and with a pergola overhead. “The hedges enclose it to create a lovely sitting area in the summer. It’s beautiful,” she says.
Back inside, the master is a private luxury suite on its own downstairs and is complete with an office, two walk-in closets, a spa-style ensuite and deck access. Kids enjoy their own space upstairs, with three bedrooms, a bathroom, lounge and balcony.
As well as the double garage and tandem carport (plus toolshed and workshop), there is space for another 10 cars to be parked on the circular driveway. Other features include a new video security system, multiple heat pumps, abundant storage and a gas fireplace, plus a pool house with a change room, shower room and toilet.
Although Jean relished the tranquillity at home, she always felt well connected.
“It’s incredibly private but has lovely neighbours on either side and across the road. There are lovely cafes and restaurants in Huapai, Kumeu and Riverhead and it’s just 25 minutes into the city.”
Barfoot & Thompson listing agent Lani Allard says that people can wait 20-plus years for gardens to become established like this.
“It’s like a park in an absolutely prime location. You’ve got the whole of the northwest on your doorstep and it’s got everything going for it, including elevation and city views.
“This is the perfect property for someone moving out from town that wants a bit more space but doesn’t want to feel too isolated and still wants to be handy to everything.”
- 338 Old North Road in Riverhead, Rodney, is a deadline sale closing December 20
