"TUI RIDGE"
78 Acacia Heights Drive
When you have a 369m² architecturally designed home, on 8000m² of selectively planted grounds, overlooking some of New Zealand's most panoramic scenery, you will be expecting something "grand". You are not going to be disappointed as "TUI RIDGE" exceeds all expectations. To fully appreciate the grandeur and magnificence enjoy the photo tour, the voice over walkthrough tour and the floor plan and be totally excited and truly amazed at what this property will present to you.
What the photography does not tell you is the passion, motivation, and the inspiration experienced by the owners of the property. Designed by Auckland architect Marshall Cook and built in 1999-2000 the owners set about making their contribution to the benefits and the splendor of the home and gardens. Firstly the master bedroom was added with its magnificent views; well equipped study; spacious and pleasant lounge; and the ensuite "fitted out with the best". This was soon followed by the expanding of the decks and the barbecue and alfresco dining area with entertaining forefront in their thinking. Many guests, local and international have enjoyed the owner's hospitality and been embraced by the scenery and the lake.
A key ingredient to entertaining , is the kitchen. This was revamped by the owners to have a chef's kitchen designed to "turn out lots" of meals. The basic U-shaped granite benching offers efficiency of movement. The "garaging" of the implements is well designed and very handy. The induction hob is quick, if not the fastest way to cook. A large extraction hood was fitted to contain the cooking effects and prevent them permeating the home. Again the views from the kitchen are really special. Entertaining in this home is not only efficient, it is a pleasure for the hosts, and undoubtly extends to the guests.
Two busy people with varying personal and business interests need their own studies. Yes, two spacious studies, wireless connected; provide the essentials for their life styles. A wine cellar to meet the needs of the connoisseur; the heated swimming pool and spa pool to soak and relax in, where like the Romans, "all the matters of state get worked out." The "reading" room, where peace and quietness can be found and like any other room in the home offers those breath taking views across the magnificent Lake Taupo. There other extras the property provides but we shall leave these for you to find on your own when arrive for your private viewing.
The gardens are a true passion of the owners. The plantings are a mixture of native and exotics, being a collection of trees, shrubs, border perennials, spring bulbs in a profusion of colour and textures that are all known to do well in Taupo. Numerous roses, camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias, maples, natives, wisterias, and so on, are densely planted to "beat the weeds", and to offer an unparalleled botanical experience, as you stroll around the terraced grounds. In the November 2006 copy of the NZ House & Garden Gordon Collier writes "It's a spectacular place............Tui and Bellbirds provide entertainment as they visit a feeder set among the flax bushes, shaded borders filled with a variety of plants (Avelyn believes in squeezing them in to cover all the weeds) surround the house....." A small orchard offers apricots, quinces, plums, pears, apples and lemons. How good is that!!! A true country garden is finished off with the pony and pet alpaca's paddock.