Kiwi interior designer Danielle Francis is selling the multi-million-dollar country escape she bought a decade ago as an antidote to her jet-setting life in Sydney, London and New York.
Francis told OneRoof she was instantly drawn to the serenity of the park-like grounds of 197 Papakura-Clevedon Road, in Auckland’s eastern fringe.
She said she was won over by the mature trees and rolling pasture, and pounced at the opportunity to give her two young daughters a life immersed in the beauty of nature and its cycles.
“I did imagine this bucolic life, with winter fires and dogs, ponies and kids running in and out all summer – it’s been all that and much more. It’s been a magical and a very memorable chapter of our lives,” she said.
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The site’s original cottage has been masterfully expanded and reimagined, with Francis heavily inspired by classic West Virginia barns for the new six-bedroom incarnation.
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“I worked with a local architect to design the house – it’s all stone and wood and very generously proportioned, so it is spacious very comfortable,” she said.
“I wanted all the materiality to be solid and classic and for it to look like it was built 50 years ago.”
As well as her flourishing interior design business, Danielle Francis Ltd, Francis drew on her impressive background and international resume when refining the aesthetic. “I studied art and architecture at university and have a Masters in Art,” she said.
The US-style ranch-like home is at the heart of 7.95ha of rolling pastures. Photo / Supplied
The property boasts an impressive outdoor pool. Note the barn aesthetic of the pool-house. Photo / Supplied
She also worked at auction houses Sotheby’s and Christie’s and did a stint at London’s Serpentine Gallery.
A rich palette of copper, cedar, Turkish travertine, Italian marble and French Oak creates a rustic, very liveable elegance, as does the well-proportioned, functional floorplan.
“I really lean away from open plan and sought to create cosy spaces. It works well for a family as there are many different places to retreat to and everyone has space and privacy.”
Colour-wise, Francis has “used greens and truffle greys to bring the outside in”.
Verdant views are on display throughout and the inside connects seamlessly with the deep verandas that wrap around the outside, offering many sheltered areas to enjoy, no matter the weather.
The large country kitchen is the social hub of the home.
“I designed this huge kitchen island we could sit and work and talk and eat around. We have had many big family barbecues and dinners here and the Clevedon markets on a Sunday morning is our regular for the buffalo cheeses and the best produce,” Francis said.
Francis is passionate about horse riding, and the property comes with a stable with three boxes, tack and feed rooms, an all-weather arena, and a dedicated lunging ring. Photo / Supplied
The large country kitchen is the heart of the home. Photo / Supplied
“We also made six raised herb garden boxes and that’s been a huge success – all the organic lettuces parsley and kale.”
Although she’s originally a city girl, horses are in Danielle’s blood – her grandmother bred and trained racehorses and her mother was a show jumper. So she has evolved the land into an equestrian enthusiasts dream.
This incorporates a stable with three boxes, tack and feed rooms, an all-weather arena, and a dedicated lunging ring. Securely fenced with post and rail, multiple paddocks provide ample space for horses to roam safely and comfortably.
The kids have also been well and truly immersed in the country lifestyle.
“We’ve raised baby lambs and had bunnies, golden retrievers and mares and foals here. There’s been lots of life lessons – you have livestock and you have deadstock, that’s one of the first things you learn when you’re on a lifestyle property.”
Francis has upgraded the home and brought stylish touches to the interiors. Photo / Supplied
“The Clevedon community has been great. When the kids started school they had Ag Day, which got them into it – they know more about animal husbandry than me now.”
Additional amenities include a hangar suitable for a helicopter, even larger stables or an impressive car collection.
A luxury guest cottage with an ensuite provides ideal accommodation for visitors and outdoor entertaining comes into its own with a swimming pool, spa, and a dedicated poolside entertaining room.
Privacy is also paramount here, thanks to the extensive gardens. “We’ve planted a row of hornbeams, camellia hedges, eugenia hedges and liquid amber trees. So you’ve got layers and layers of shelter from the road, it’s set back and out of view.”
“It’s been a real sanctuary – a really calming, beautiful property. We’ve improved it and left it better for the next family. We put a lot of thought into everything.”
New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty agent Paul Sissons, who is marketing the property with Karen Moore, said it was “the complete package”.
“Everybody who has seen it has fallen in love with it,” he said.
- 197 Papakura-Clevedon Road, in Clevedon, Auckland, is for sale by tender, closing December 12
