A legacy to love
At Lemon Grove, grace and history stand tall, with elegant architecture, breathtaking harbour views, and a century-old beech tree anchoring its story.
At Lemon Grove, grace and history stand tall, with elegant architecture, breathtaking harbour views, and a century-old beech tree anchoring its story.
words JO FERRIS
Heritage and sentiment share a natural synergy – history ever present in this home’s journey through time; as each owner added new chapters along the way.
Known to many who live in and around Lemon Grove Avenue, the towering beech tree gracing this home’s entry is seen far and wide. If trees could only talk, memories would run deep.
As it turns out, memories not only run deep, they stretch around the world – to England, where the son of this home’s developer still remembers his early childhood here. Built in 1932 for a Mr Knowles, this English engineer had moved to New Zealand to follow his dream to grow lemons on this Ōtūmoetai site.
Originally covering some 30 acres, this address was named accordingly. A far cry from what exists now, the house started out as a single-level farmhouse in solid stucco with a terracotta tile roof.
After the birth of her son, Mrs Knowles planted a beech tree when he was two years old. Sadly, she missed England so much, the family returned home a year later. Despite his youth, the son never forgot the home; missing it his entire life – even making visits over the years to see the dramatic changes it underwent.
Now two levels – the second storey was added in the ‘40s by a Dr Kenney, who used the house as a surgery and convalescent home. The next owners subdivided and sold the surrounding land – adding their own mark to the property with a swimming pool, creating a large terrace and loggia at the same time.
As the beech tree grew, the grounds were developed and nurtured over the years to resemble the formality of an English country garden with hedgerows, specimen trees and wisteria.
Records also show that the home has been used for a knitting business and at one point was split into three flats.
The current owners fell in love the moment they saw this home nine years ago – lured by the landmark towering beech; but also, the size and scale of the property, plus the harbour view to Mauao and beyond.
Having lived overseas for many years, they wanted to return to New Zealand to continue raising their family. The space was vastly different from what they had left – a house of substance and around 1600 square metres of grounds, offering the sheltered privacy of a pool, gardens and large playground lawn for cricket and croquet. North-facing and elevated, the sweeping harbour panorama can be seen from every room, bar the laundry.
Impressive in its design, the solid rimu kitchen with its marble benches is a standout. Elegant living areas revolve around entertainment and link to the outdoors and terrace settings. A study, guest bedroom, heritage bathroom and laundry sit downstairs, while the ensuite master retreat and three more bedrooms sit upstairs – all basking in the stunning views.
Joining this home’s handful of owners who have loved life here, the time has come to pass the heritage on to another family. Every owner has done something to the home – either dramatically through extension; or cosmetically.
Committed to maintaining the home’s character, these vendors have redecorated throughout – preparing its upkeep with respect and mindful of its essence. A particularly poignant aspect concerns a letter these owners now have as a reminder of that little three-year old who never forgot this home. Now in his 80s, upon hearing a niece was coming to New Zealand, he wrote a letter for her to give to them. Just as he never forgot the home of his childhood, these owners will take their own memories with them – a letter in hand, marking the bond between generations and a home – history and sentiment forever intertwined.
39 Lemon Grove Avenue, Ōtūmoetai OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM
Elegance defined
Perched on a ridge with commanding views, this distinguished residence and premium avocado orchard unite to create one of the Bay of Plenty's most prestigious, perfectly crafted lifestyle properties.
Perched on a ridge with commanding views, this distinguished residence and premium avocado orchard unite to create one of the Bay of Plenty's most prestigious, perfectly crafted lifestyle properties.
words JO FERRIS
Bought for the exquisite panorama from Mauao, Matakana and harbour to the Kaimais, this elevated ridge was virtually a blank canvas. Nothing remains externally of the original house; only the shelter belts and concrete driveway strips.
Constructed by former boat builder turned house builder Tony Farley, an obsession for detail both by Farley and the owners entailed a lengthy journey to perfection.
Its Hamptons theme blends quality with a focus on views and intimate outdoor flow. Designed as a boutique bed and breakfast, Ridgeton has earned praise from guests who cherished this exquisite seclusion.
The privacy afforded in the lower level is equally appealing as a family residence, however. An elegant lounge and four bedrooms all open outdoors to bask in the scenery amid various verandah settings. One bedroom has its own ensuite, while another has semi ensuite access to the bathroom shared by remaining bedrooms. A powder room enhances the convenience, while design genius combines a private laundry, kitchenette and cloakroom feature.
Significant storage also uses every possible space – including the stairwell. Upstairs privacy elevates this home’s prestige and command of scenery.
The five-star master retreat greets sunrise and bathes in Mauao’s glory; spacious luxury enjoying the indulgence of a bathroom for two and fitted dressing room.
Open-plan living takes full advantage of natural light and scenery. Eyes feast on the kitchen – imported Palazzo glass cabinetry cleverly finished in a matte white sheen and stainless steel hardware accentuating the quality. Nothing dominates, features stand out simply due to tasteful finish and detail; accents showcased on the likes of tiled splashbacks and solid oak elements on flooring and bathroom vanities.
Wrap-around decking follows the sun all day; glass balustrades ensure all views are seamless. When the sun does dip behind the Kaimais, rainbow beams f licker off the crystal chandelier as fairy lights in the lounge. Nuance and nature are balanced by high specifications in this home and graceful garden. It exudes romance amid secluded tranquillity – settings to reflect throughout the day and evening – under the verandah, amid floral fragrance or beneath the alfresco bower, where espaliered citrus plantings will eventually cover the trellis roofing.
Genius is everywhere, including the avocados. Planted in 2020, this high density orchard is a pioneer of the industry’s future; part of the extraordinary invitation this property extends. Graceful in design, refined with detail; Ridgeton has reached a milestone – ready for a new chapter.
46 Prestidge Rd, Aongatete OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM
Above and beyond
The height of luxury in a private Minden enclave, this bespoke residence harmonises innovative design with the tranquility of its lush surroundings.
The height of luxury in a private Minden enclave, this bespoke residence harmonises innovative design with the tranquillity of its lush surroundings.
words JO FERRIS
Life has a habit of moving the goalposts. Designed as this couple’s forever home, new priorities now invite someone else to change their own destiny. A beautiful home, in an exquisite setting – cocooned in a sheltered Minden valley – amid a private community.
Tucked at the end of a small enclave, the house stands above its neighbours – seemingly built into the hillside, with its bush backdrop of pongas and natives.
Towering banks envelop the home amid nature and birdsong; deceptive size and scale that includes a playground lawn.
Given the extent of lush gardens, it’s hard to believe this house was completed just five years ago. The owners wanted a future-proofed, timeless look. Without that knowledge, it’s easy to overlook how cleverly this home facilitates flexible living. A significant two-level residence – with a 2.7 metre stud throughout – it is designed with generous, wide passages and doorways for proportion convenience and a lift for access upstairs.
Colin Davis of Davista Architecture changed nothing in the owners’ vision for their family hub, merely playing with elements elsewhere to perfect the final flair. Built by 90 Degrees Construction, the attention to detail is flawless. The kitchen and dining hub is the centre of entertainment. Black cabinetry features a specially-mixed double lacquer – matte not gloss. Black engineered Caesarstone covers the bar-stool island, while an interesting finish of Dekton in the scullery adds a unique contrast.
The splashback is also purpose made – another single sheet that mimics smashed antique glass.
Dining caters for crowds; its soaring ceiling and bespoke lighting just one of this home’s many talking points. Linked with a mezzanine lounge above, a glass balustrade allows connection below, while ensuring a seamless view of scenery through the ascending wall of glass.
A kitchenette increases the convenience for family and guests, while bedrooms either side enjoy personal space.
Tone and texture dominate this home’s intrigue – highlighted with high-end Italian porcelain floor tiling in the family hub and passage. It was selected specifically for endurance and the deceptive look of dark oak timber.
An office downstairs could double as another bedroom, while the master retreat revolves around romantic privacy. A waterfall garden framed by a full-length window embraces nature, but the ensuite is pure indulgence. An oval bath for two, picture glazing framing a tropical garden and outdoor flow to enjoy the birdsong.
Detail and luxury underpin every aspect of this secluded haven. Surprise and innovation are everywhere – a home for today, designed for the future.
8 Minden Hill Lane, Minden
Zen by design
East meets west in this stunning home’s Japanese-inspired aesthetic.
East meets west in this stunning home’s Japanese-inspired aesthetic.
Words Jo Ferris
This Mount Maunganui home’s dramatic street-front greeting showcases a striking look born in Japan. Yakisugi’s authentic process of charring sugi cedar not only improves the timber’s life span, it adds another layer to this home’s haunting story.
It’s a story of evolvement – from this home’s birth in 1956 to a stunning epitome of the Mount’s coastal vibe.
The weatherboard construction remains, but that’s about all. Over the years, different owners have embedded their own mark. The vivid allure of black, vertical shiplap on walls curving around this home’s lower area are a fitting imprint by these vendors.
Stunning aesthetics aside, two hidden elements enhance this driveway’s function. Power in one corner offers
a charge point for vehicles and parking for a motorhome. A gas point in a recess allows for the addition of screen doors to hide bottles and utility bins.
The garage is another improvement by these owners. Lined over block, carpeted and finished with extra detail, it is now a multi-purpose zone. An internal stairwell leads up to the first level. For visitors, the
sugi-clad steps sweep up through a coastal-themed garden, where resident tuis haunt the pōhutukawa. They’re so frequent and familiar, these owners have even named them.
Other than original native timber flooring throughout the home, the décor was completely transformed by prior owners.
One intriguing feature pays homage to the construction. A distressed weather-board panel hanging on a passage wall as a work of art, is actually a disguise for the hot water cylinder behind.
Apart from one original window in the master bedroom, joinery was replaced with double-glazed aluminium. Plywood is a statement element that instils tone and texture in key areas. Feature walls showcase ply’s natural blonde finish, while black negative detailing makes a striking effect in-between the panels. Kitchen cabinetry is finished in laminated plywood, while timeless stainless steel benches are a practical surface cooks will appreciate.
Open-plan living and outdoor flow maximises space to connect with areas outside. A morning balcony at the front gazes out to sea. At the rear, there’s an intimate link with a secluded backyard oasis. The third bedroom also opens out to this sun deck and shelter from afternoon breeze within this tropical sanctuary. It’s an easy-care garden – with a corner for veges and a hidden sink bench for filleting fish.
The master bedroom commands the front-row ocean view. A second living area above, elevates this to a grandstand coastal outlook. With glimpses to three islands, Motiti sits directly in front and waves can be seen lapping on the beach. This is a spacious, multi-purpose zone – an invitation for leisure or work. With sun streaming inside, an air conditioning unit keeps life cool in hot weather. There are two more heat pumps elsewhere, plus a wood burner. Highly efficient, it’s another feature which matches this home’s distinctive vibe.
Within walking distance to the beach and cafes, this impressive home awaits another chapter. Inspection is invited, and more information is available on Oliver Road Real Estate’s website.
Sustainability in bloom
Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga has come of age – leading the way on all things green with a new-look garden centre and strong focus on sustainability.
Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga has come of age – leading the way on all things green with a new-look garden centre and strong focus on sustainability.
Words Jo Ferris | Photos Jahl Marshall
Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga has come of age – leading the way on all things green with a new-look garden centre and strong focus on sustainability.
With fresh ideas, new technology and their ‘arms-wide-open’ approach, nothing rains on this team’s parade. Now fully roofed, the only place rain falls inside is in two 30,000L tanks.
Feeding a sophisticated irrigation system, it not only eliminates using town supply, plants are flourishing – noticeably so. Staff efficiency has also gained. Despite the new technology – rather than downsizing the garden centre’s team – it has increased from 14 to 25, as supervisor Lorena Stead and 2 IC Marisa Pirina shift up another gear.
“Spring is our busiest time of the year. It’s like turning the lights on,” says Lorena.
Customer focus underpins this store’s entire purpose. That means people on the floor and more time to greet and help customers. The café moved instore, but still overlooks all the activity. Opening up the garden centre not only created additional space for more stock, visibility increased thanks to new, lower plant bays. The Garden Hub is also a novel drawcard – a central station which enhances staff’s ability to handle customer queries. Just outside is the plastic pot recycling bin – another sustainability initiative, which has seen 900kgs recycled in the past 10 months. And that’s not counting any containers foraged by customers. Mitre 10 even takes polystyrene – number one in New Zealand to do so.
Changes also flowed instore. By definition, ‘garden’ has assumed an entirely new meaning.
More than a green space for trees, flowers and veges; outdoor zones are another room – an extension of how we live, play, entertain – even work. Anything from a simple patio now extends to sophisticated retreats – fully sheltered or open-air; lit and heated. As much as gardens grow, so has this store’s vision, according to Lorena.
“Gardens are another room in the home. But there’s also the internal garden – indoor plants – not only but also.”
Specialty zones cover the full gamut – from indoor plants, tools, plant care, ornaments and rainwater storage systems to probably the Bay’s largest selection of outdoor furniture, BBQs and every accessory to match. If you can’t find it, this store will seek it. Being owner- operated and part of a solely New Zealand co-operative, buying power and access to a wide range of products strengthens this hugely successful business.
Innovation and a "people first" mantra feed this store’s belief in mutually beneficial relationships – from everyone who walks in the door to everyone on the shop floor.
Newbies to long-timers, staff know their stuff; and they know people. Customers come from far and wide, such is the store’s reputation for familiarity. It’s an attitude Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga continually works on. And customers feel it. Regulars watched closely as the garden centre remained open throughout the renovation. Written feedback was overwhelming and staff are grateful.
Inspired by the new look, Lorena and Marisa say customers love all the initiatives as well – especially how
plants respond to the new irrigation. Both agree the garden centre looks and feels brighter. True to the "spring has sprung" philosophy, team members are also thriving – watching their garden grow as natural rain waters it from above.
Breaking new ground
At the flooring industry’s coal face, men dominate the hands-and-knees’ work, but this mother and daughter duo are bucking the trend.
At the flooring industry’s coal face, men dominate the hands-and-knees’ work, but this mother and daughter duo are bucking the trend.
Words Jo Ferris / Photos Alan Gibson
Sarah and Caitlin Tavendale might not install flooring; but from go to whoa, theirs are the faces customers see most. It’s a unique situation – and relationship. Not only do they own and operate a Harrisons Carpets and Flooring franchise each, they are the only mother and daughter in New Zealand to do so. Furthermore, Caitlin – at 24 – is the youngest owner in the country. She was just 22 when offered a franchise, fresh out of university. With a drive to succeed and a passion for interior design, there was no stopping her.
Sarah had already been in the Harrisons family for more than two years - a big step, but not as daunting. Seventeen years as a legal executive and several years as a co-owner in a recruitment company, was followed by an intensive nine years as operations manager for a family fishing business.
“It was time to do something for myself, something I was passionate about and had more control.”
That opportunity arose when Harrisons’ previous owner in Tauranga wanted to retire. Meeting Harrisons’ criteria, Sarah threw herself into invigorating a business she knew was ready for some fresh ideas.
“It was either sink or swim – so I jumped right in.”
Utilising Harrisons’ systems and flying solo, Sarah increased business within 12 months, expanded her installation teams and moved premises. By definition, that doesn’t mean a public showroom, but having a well-equipped warehouse to run a better operation.
The Harrisons’ model is mobile. Hands on. Same branding, systems and products. Otherwise, it’s all about the franchisees. In Sarah and Caitlin’s case – they are the only people customers see, until contractors move in. Even then, these women remain hands on until the end.
It’s pivotal to this duo’s success – that, and an exceptionally close relationship. Not all mothers and daughters can work together; even get on, at times. These women are not only great friends, but share ideas and visions for both businesses – usually over a glass of wine.
Gaining a degree in HR and commercial law, Caitlin admits she didn’t know what she wanted to do, initially. Helping Sarah with office administration, her plan was to head to Australia. Then Covid hit. Followed by something else that changed their lives.
With Tauranga’s exploding growth, the opportunity arose to buy a new area. Caitlin wasn’t sure – until interviews and initial concerns by head office cemented a stronger desire to succeed. Even Sarah had initial hesitations, not on Caitlin’s ability, but more about her own reservations. Between them now, they cover Tauranga North and Tauranga Central – early Papamoa down the Mount coastline and from Greerton to Waihi Beach.
Eighteen months on, Caitlin is as passionate as her mother. Sharing premises, they now employ permanent office staff and have several contractor teams.
Life is full on. Working out of the familiar Harrisons’ branded vans – both women believe the mobile model is key. However, it’s their one-on-one approach, often working together in their desire to help people choose the right products, textures and colours for their homes. Taking samples to the home eliminates homeowners running back and forth – as consultations are all handled within their own space.
For these women, people don’t just buy a product, it’s about the service.
As a brand, Harrisons was highly recommended by Readers Digest in its 2022 most trusted list. Sarah and Caitlin are proud to belong to that wider acclaim.
“We’re proud of what we have achieved so far, and look forward to the future.”
Dynamic women – obviously with much more up their sleeves.