Countryside living never looked so good. With three wings clad in a tasteful mix of brick, plaster and vertical aluminium, the 475sqm architecturally designed home settles into its rural surrounds. Even the grand entrance with a landscaped roundabout seems tailor-made for its green environment south of Auckland. The formal entry opens to the main wing with dining, kitchen and open-plan living areas. Nothing has been left to chance in what presents as a grand hall with a raked ceiling, timber floorboards and glazing that beckons natural light, warmth and those rural views inside. The sleek white kitchen has a scullery and a long island that doubles as a breakfast bar. It’s perfectly positioned for entertaining, whether guests are gathered in the dining space, formal outdoor dining room or a second outdoor space where louvre roofs ensure everyone stays dry.

If it’s too chilly, however, friends can move inside and cosy themselves in front of the feature brick fireplace or retreat to the home theatre for an after-dinner movie and drinks. Among the four bedrooms is a resort-level main suite in its own wing. This is luxury at large – floor-to-ceiling windows, an ensuite with a double vanity, a walk-in wardrobe and sliders that open to a dreamy private deck with a spa pool. The third wing has three more bedrooms, a laundry, bathroom, toilet and double garage.