2019 HOUSE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Carters New Home $1 Million - $1.5 Million

 

Boundless views provide a peaceful backdrop to contemporary rural living in North Auckland. Grand country charm invites you in to the airy 340sqm weatherboard residence with a lifted entry and sweeping raked ceilings that seamlessly extend across both sides. The central kitchen and living area is the gateway to two generous, sun-drenched wings each offering solitude from the family hum-drum. The four bedrooms, three lounges, three bathrooms and two powder rooms are thoughtfully spaced. Large skirtings, 2.4 high doorways and feature wall paneling add to the grand feeling of space and height. Light floods the central living space and colonial entertainers kitchen with generous scullery that Gordon Ramsey would feel at home in. Breezy country vibes flow effortlessly to the south side containing the guest bathroom with ensuite, two-car garage, separate laundry and office. The master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite with its free-standing bath offers luxury and serenity.  The north wing hosts two lounges, one connected by a cosy double fireplace and stable doors for a rustic finish.  Beyond is the children’s quarters boasting a huge lounge. Across is easy access to two bedrooms connected by an adjoining bathroom with back-to-back basins and an impressive walk-through double-sided shower. An additional stand-alone, two-car garage with stable inspired doors offers protection for the prized, classic cars contained within.

Placemakers New Home $450,000 - $600,000

 

Set amongst the rolling greenery of North-Auckland, this spacious family home is pitch perfect for making music and entertaining alike. Elegant black brick entry walls sit either side of feature cedar panelling, inviting you into the 209sqm L-shaped three plus bedroom house. Raking ceilings fitted with an in-built speaker system flow the length of the honey-toned kitchen and living area. Dual ranch slider doors open to outdoor al fresco areas enjoy the best of the weather, with a central outdoor living space that promises long sunny afternoons. Two bedrooms, main bathroom featuring groove filler-board walls and a sound-proofed second lounge come music studio are thoughtfully spaced apart at one end. The main bedroom with ensuite, walk-in wardrobe, entry, garage and laundry offer privacy at the opposite end. Luxurious loop wool carpet contrasts wood panel flooring and the kitchen’s subtle wood detailing gives a nod to Scandinavian minimalism. Modern exposed light fixtures combine style with function, are integrated with an alarm system and gate electrics that are conveniently controlled by mobile phone.

 

Builder’s Own Home

 

Not content with blending in, this sleek 2-storey 280sm weatherboard in Millwater, Auckland is simply striking for all the right reasons. A pitch roof surrounds the urban oasis within, complete with baby lap pool that hides its cover. Automatic louver roof above the outdoor deck allows for al fresco living all year round. The 2-storey glass wall commands attention and allows the natural light to flood in. Look closely and you may notice the powder room concealed behind the wood paneling feature wall, accessible by an automatic push door off the hallway. Two downstairs lounges provide plenty of chill-out space and the master bedroom offers a private sanctuary with its own deck and spa pool, walk in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom. The contemporary black and white kitchen makes a statement with an artistic tile splash-back, offset against minimalist cabinetry that contains a hidden pantry, breakfast nook and a power-drawer to keep the bench device-free. Upstairs easily flows to a self-contained haven with a central third lounge between three generous bedrooms, storage room with laundry shoot to the double garage below and a separate office overlooking the pool. Hi-tech touches include ducted heating and cooling, TV cable boxes behind wall-mounted TV’s, feature lighting around the garden and pool and key-less front door entry pad.