A dream family life in the country

Prepare to be wowed by this stunning Newstead lifestyle haven.

Nestled among 5,000 square metres of land, the house has evolved beautifully over the years to be the consummate entertainer you see here today. A hint of its 1950s past is reflected in the majestic mature trees that can be seen from just about every room.

Owners Katie Mayes and Hugh Goodman says the home ‘‘felt great’’ from the moment they walked into it for the first time in 2006, and that feeling has never changed.

‘‘We’ve brought up three children here, and the property has worked so well for us, right through from having toddlers to older teenagers. We’ve enjoyed having so many separate, versatile spaces for our family’s activities. The flat lawn is great for cricket and soccer and the depth-graded saltwater swimming pool and resurfaced tennis court are ideal for kids of all ages,’’ says Katie.

‘‘We love the garden with its many established trees, orchard, raised vegetable garden and tree house. The enormous liquidambar defining the road frontage is very special. An arborist told us it’s the largest he’s ever seen and a beautiful specimen,’’ says Hugh.

Inside, no detail has been spared for modern style, convenience and functionality.

Large entrance doors open into the stunning, high-stud grand living and dining area. Decorative cornices draw the eye. The quality kitchen in the open-plan domain spills effortlessly out onto alfresco zones and a barbecue area, ideal for entertaining.

‘‘The L-shaped house faces north, so it’s always sunny. The main courtyard has a large deck with two big cantilever umbrellas and great planting. We always love opening the curtains from the master bedroom to views of the garden,’’ says Hugh.

‘‘Our favourite part is the family room. It’s a sunny, warm room with a lovely outlook through french doors and bifold windows that open up to the courtyard, gardens and pool. The home has been perfect for the end-of-year class parties, birthday bashes and work do’s over the years. Jumping in the pool after a game of tennis or soccer and cosy spaces in winter are some of our favourite memories,’’ says Katie.

The beautifully detailed residence features comforts for everyday living and functionality, including central vacuum and heating systems, as well as LED lighting – plus oodles of storage space.

Five bedrooms provide plenty of room for growing families, and the master features its own ensuite.

Bonuses include a guest suite above the double garage, as well as a second, separate garage with rumpus room and its own road entrance, which could easily be converted into a granny flat.

‘‘We get the best of both worlds here – space and privacy, so close to town. Access to the Waikato Expressway is just around the corner and when it opens in July, it will be incredibly convenient for getting about – straight onto a motorway all the way to Auckland, or heading south. At the same time there will also be a dedicated cycleway into town, which will add another option for getting to the nearby university and good schools. Then there’s Camarosa Cafe´ over the road which solves our coffee fix and Sunday lunch!’’ Hugh says.

With the owners downsizing, you have the chance to make your own wonderful family memories in this remarkable setting.

‘‘An enticing environment for fun and relaxation, this Newstead property has an ‘on holiday’ vibe and outshines for location, size, and family liveability,’’ says Russell Thomas.

‘‘On the corner of Vaile and Ruakura Road, the location is hard to beat. Favourite cafes and restaurants, as well as preschool, are within walking distance, Newstead School is handy, and school zones are sought after. Contact us today to secure your slice of Waikato paradise,’’ says Angela Thomas. Photographer: Ryan Baigent, Locus Creative Limited