Elegant Garden Retreat

Address: 250 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany
Auction: Thursday 27th June 6.30pm – (In rooms) unless sold prior
Viewing: Saturday 2.30 – 3.15pm & Sunday 1.00 – 1.45pm or by appointment
Agent: Jen Bird 021 618 697 – jenette.bird@harcourts.co.nz

Immaculate presentation, stylish, light-filled spaces and exceptional outdoor living combine to create this elegant Albany property. The owners have lived here for the past five years and relished the peace and privacy. They’ve also expertly developed the once-barren 893m2 grounds into a lush, green and wonderfully private garden oasis.

Tucked away near the end of Schnapper Rock Road, the location is quiet but well-connected and convenient. Number 250 is perfectly placed on the new Schnapper 883 bus route, which drops city commuters directly to the Constellation Drive Park and Ride. The number of excellent local public schools have buses that pick up and drop off in Schnapper Rock, while private Kristin has its own.  Massey University and Albany’s booming shopping, retail and dining hub is just a short drive from home, as are all the beautiful beaches of the East Coast Bays.

Inside, the contemporary interior design is brightened with fun pops of colour in feature wallpaper, found in the entrance foyer and in each of the bedrooms upstairs. High quality flooring adds peace of mind, with brand new carpet and attractive, hardwearing COREtec throughout. A grand entrance foyer is a fitting introduction to the home, which flows into the ground floor living, dining and entertaining spaces. Clever design means that while these areas are divided into distinct zones, visibility is always maintained between each. High ceilings and many large picture windows enhance the feeling of space and flood the inside with light and sun. The formal lounge and dining flow into the more casual family living and kitchen hub – a layout that lends itself to seamless entertaining. Designed for chefs, the sleek kitchen is functional and practical, with lots of storage, thick stone benches and a breakfast island.

Bifolds open out to the north-facing alfresco living, with decks and landscaped gardens afforded a wonderful sense of privacy thanks to the mature trees that frame the site. The vision was to create an atmosphere that was structured but not fussy, with the use of natives to make it largely easy-care. Artfully placed sculptures and the water feature out here add to the ambiance, illuminated beautifully at night thanks to extensive outdoor lighting. As well as space for a trampoline and playhouse (which both stay), the entire area is irrigated and fully fenced, making it perfect for kids and animals.

There’s a separate laundry and powder room downstairs, as well as a sitting room/ library that could easily be utilised as a handy day nursery for a baby. Upstairs, a study nook creates the ideal family computer spot. Two bedrooms up here are serviced by the family bathroom with bath, while the luxurious master has its own walk-in wardrobe and ensuite.

Although the house is naturally incredibly warm, the entire ground floor is underfloor heated, along with a gas fireplace in the lounge, while there’s a ducted heat pump system to warm the top floor. Generous double internal garaging is complemented with ample off-street parking out front, with easily enough space for a boat or motorhome.

With nothing to do but move in, unpack and enjoy, this truly elegant home is ready and waiting for its next privileged owners.