Space and Serenity in Snodgrass Road

At 380m² this is a large home. Yet clever design and spatial relationship has resulted in an ambient, intimate, and very relaxing atmosphere.

On a winter morning the French doors are open to the terrace and bi folds thrown back above the window seat. Low sunshine sweeps across the family room.This is the sort of room that simply welcomes gatherings of people. Seats under the bar area of the Rimu kitchen bench suggest morning gossips over a coffee. Bi folds each side of the dining area let the breezes in when you want them. Family seating on the north side opens to the terrace.

The owners say this is a wonderful summer home. It feels wonderful in winter. A gas fire heats the open plan area. A log fire is set in the comfortable living room, perfect for winter evenings. For formal meals use the dining room between the two lounges. Catering for dinner parties or the large groups this home soaks up with ease will be no problem.

The kitchen is highlighted by the Rimu that appears throughout the home, used to excellent effect without being overdone. While the main bench is timber, the rear one is granite and surrounds the five burner gas cook top and a third (butler's) sink. Walk in pantry and a myriad of drawers and shelves provide storage. One of the reason these owners have loved having the company of family and friends is because their home accommodates everyone so easily, even when several generations stay.

All the downstairs living and the guest suite spill onto the terrace where concrete molded to resemble "York stone" looks as though it has been there for ever. This home is only five years old. An additional living room upstairs lets one group do their own thing. And in doing so they get to ascend a beautiful Rimu staircase - its classic simplicity indicating the hand of a craftsman.

Two double bedrooms, a family bathroom and an office large enough for use as a fifth bedroom share upstairs with the master suite and the central lounge. All three bathrooms are tasteful tiled luxury. Then there is the most perfect powder room featuring specially made wallpaper incorporating the sisal and parchment colours used throughout the home.

These owners have loved the space, the views and the birdlife on their 4000m². They consider their Te Puna West location ideal - so close to the water and not far from the city and the rapidly expanding facilities of Bethlehem and Te Puna. Avocados fall from the six trees. Landscaping adds privacy and frames the water view.

There is scope to enhance the lifestyle by adding a tennis court or pool.