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.

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.

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 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

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