With privacy and a bush backdrop just 30 minutes from the centre of Auckland, Jonathan Toye knew this Canadian cedar weatherboard home was exactly what he wanted eight years ago when he set out to buy his first home.
"I was looking for a place I could see myself living in for several years, that ticked all the right boxes for lifestyle, privacy and proximity. I had been looking for quite some time for the right one and once I found this, I knew it was the one. It is so close to the city with easy motorway access and yet is so privat, giving the best of both worlds. There is a nice community in the street and it feels safe."
The John D'Anvers-designed home, built in 1986, is elevated to capture all-day sun. "People often comment that being there feels like being on holiday or at a resort, even though it is less than 30 minutes from the city," says Jonathan.
"It is very tranquil with a lovely outlook over the bush. And the suns tracks with the house all day. The decks are sun-drenched, as is the pool area."
The cedar-clad, north-facing home with Colorsteel roof is spacious, covering about 245sq m, and has generous deck areas including beside the saltwater pool.
As you come into the house along the covered approach, a goldfish pond and fountain are on the left of the double-height cedar front door.
Inside is an entrance foyer with polished wooden floors.
Off to the left is the formal lounge, which can be closed off, and then the open area of the kitchen, dining area and family room with woodburner, which has doors opening to the deck overlooking the bush and upper harbour.
Also on this level is a bedroom, and the double-garage with internal access.
The top level comprises three bedrooms, one with en suite, and a large bathroom.
During his eight years here, Jonathan has worked at improving the property. He had the 8671sq m of grounds professionally landscaped, added the goldfish pond, fountains, planted trees, added paving and a fire pit.
He also added more storage, designer Italian lighting, swim jets, fencing, more carparking, outside lighting, the cover over the entranceway, re-painted inside, covered some of the exposed ceiling beams and re carpeted. "The outlook is totally private over bush towards water. I have bush and upper harbour views, not other people's homes. There is a lot of native birdlife to enjoy, including wood pigeons and tui."
The result is a warm and comfortable home that is ideal for entertaining. "The deck area is huge, plus there are two acres of land and your own bush walks."
Jonathan, the chief executive of Extenday, a supplier of horticultural fabric and netting products, is selling the home because of his travel commitments.
"I spend so little time in New Zealand now, only a few months a year as I am always overseas on business. It is better someone else takes over it now and enjoys the space," he says.
"We are all caretakers of homes and in time we pass them on to others to enjoy."
He imagines the new owner (or caretaker) will be someone who loves the bush, the privacy and wants to be close to the city.
"The property will appeal to a wide range of buyers, from investors looking for an amazing location and future development to families wanting a good family home and the ideal address.
"It is close to the Albany Mall and MegaCentre, the motorway to the city and superb schools."