Vine by name, divine by nature. Each home in this block of five at Vines Estate, in the west of Auckland, has been planned and constructed with a list of must-haves in mind. These include clever design, carefully considered layouts, attention to detail, quality finishing and use of low-maintenance and durable materials. But more than that: the two- and three-bedroom terrace houses had to make their new owners proud. Mission accomplished, and then some. The class of the exteriors clad with brick veneer and vertical aluminium is matched by the quality of what’s inside. White walls, contrasting timber features, dark joinery and ground-level living spaces that spill to outside decking add up to easy living.

The environment has also been carefully considered in this beautiful block, as well as in the estate it resides in. Energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials have been used here — high performance insulation, double glazing and natural ventilation reduce heating and cooling needs, while water-saving fittings and low-energy lighting make the most of resources. The houses are smart, too. They are designed with intelligent climate control systems and security features include smart lock entry and video intercom options. Additionally, the design allows for easy upgrades, ensuring the homes can be easily adapted to new technology. It’s clear that in this case, wish-lists do come true.