Estate of grace

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Wānaka comes to Auckland’s green fringes in this graceful schist, timber and concrete home that’s become the jewel in a country estate. The owners always wanted the aesthetic of a Central Otago retreat for their Leuschke Architects-designed home, just as they wanted their garden to play a starring role. It’s personal – they planted the oak trees here more than three decades ago. The sprawling north-facing home – 506sqm of luxury that includes four bedrooms, four bathrooms, two living areas, an office and a three-car garage – looks like it truly belongs here. It doesn’t hurt that many of rooms, including communal spaces and the main bedroom suite, open to covered outdoor spaces, landscaping and the pool deck.

Some of those South Island touchstones are highlights of the interior, too. Wānaka schist, for example, features in the impressive fireplace. You’ll also find polished concrete floors and Belgian oak in the kitchen, which opens entirely to its delightful environs and has an expansive butler’s pantry. Cabinetry, interior doors and the raking ceiling are all crafted from this oak. Everything about this sumptuous build has been considered: the concrete floor absorbs heat, acoustic insulation ensures sound-proofing, a private septic system purifies water that irrigates the gardens and an automated system for heating, security, lights and more can be operated from a phone.

NATIONAL AWARDS WON

Top 100

REGIONAL AWARDS WON

Regional Supreme House of the Year

Regional Pink Batts Craftsmanship

Regional Category Winner

Regional Gold

REGION & CATEGORY:

Auckland / Northland / Coromandel Competition
New Home over $4 million