IT’S ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY
As well as their beautiful home, it’s the Stonefields community itself that the owners of this stylish terraced townhouse, Denise and Rex, have absolutely loved.
In fact, the master-planned, engineered design of the suburb and the house’s practical layout provided enough pull to leave their beloved home in St Heliers after 25 years.
“We moved in 12 years ago – we saw the piece of land and were impressed by the fact that there were only going to be four terraces in the block and that two of them were going to have a downstairs bedroom and bathroom,” says Denise.
This is one of the features that gives this property a real edge, says Barfoot & Thompson agent Philip Oldham, who is marketing it with colleague Matt Colebourne.
“The ground floor bedroom with ensuite is perfect for extended family and elderly parents, but also for older owners if the stairs are getting a bit more difficult,” he says.
Generous proportions are another bonus. “It’s very spacious and the bedrooms are all large.”
Classic red brick construction provides a timeless, enduring look as well as promises a very low maintenance lifestyle for its owners. Interiors are all soft greys and crisp whites and have been lovingly and meticulously maintained by Denise and Rex.
“... we’ve got a park on one side so you’ll never be overlooked and we’re only one block from the wetlands.”
The ground floor also incorporates the modern, open-plan kitchen dining space, as well as a separate lounge for entertaining family and friends.
Three more bedrooms, two bathrooms and another lounge are located upstairs. This well-considered separation and flexibility offers broad appeal and suits buyers at all ages and stages.
“The house itself is so beautifully positioned – we’ve got a park on one side so you’ll never be overlooked and we’re only one block from the wetlands,” says Denise.
Interestingly, the property has two entrances, one on Tephra Boulevard and another off Guard Crescent, to the north.
This helps to maximise light and sun, as both flood in from either end at various points of the day.
“We always say we have our coffee on one side of the house and then an afternoon cup of tea or glass of wine on the other side.”
Tephra Boulevard runs along the base of Stonefields, overlooking the Maungarei Springs Wetlands. Walkways run through the reserve and around the three ponds, which are filled with native birdlife.
Stonefields School is a very short, flat walk away – “around a 90-second slow amble”, says Oldham, with the local cafes, restaurants and shops also within strolling distance.
For anything else needed, a staircase arrives up to Lunn Avenue’s extensive offering.
Denise says there is something really special about the area.
“I think part of it is because we haven’t got through roads as such, it’s a destination in itself. We’ve got great neighbours and it is such a lovely community – I take part in the Halloween competition, then at Christmas I work with the residents association to do the lights judging.
“We also have a community network on Facebook – if you’ve got an issue with a lack of knowledge about something, a lost cat or a straying dog, just anything really – people will come in and help you with it.”
A more manageable lifestyle at Ryman awaits. “We’ll be very sad to leave, it’s a lovely community and a lovely home.”
Stonefields is a popular choice for buyers of all ages, says Oldham.
“It’s filled with modern, well-built homes and during the recent major water events there were no problems.”