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Private, Peaceful and Eco Efficient
Set in 2.6 hectares of landscaped gardens, lawns, and magnificent regenerating native trees and bush, with glorious sea views, this exceptional property comprises a stylish two level, four double bedroom home and a modern, self-contained cottage. As well, there is a barn, a stable with an enclosed corral, and a pony paddock. Both the north-facing house and cottage are well positioned to enjoy all day sun and spectacular sunrises.
Designed by ecotect, Mark Fielding and built in 2005, the sunny, sheltered, energy-efficient home combines innovative architectural design with environmental sustainability. Its clean, uncluttered lines and spacious open-plan living areas blend well with large expanses of glass and polished concrete floors to capture sunlight and store heat. In Summer, triple glass sliding doors in the living area, stack wide open to the courtyard and outdoor dining area, to make the most of cooling breezes and create a spacious environment for indoor/outdoor living and entertaining.
A palette of subtle, neutral colours has been used on the exterior. Dark Onduline cladding fits well into the natural environment and combines superbly with beautifully grained larch, stone-coloured aluminium joinery and matching Coloursteel roof. Balcony posts are Australian hardwood. Environmentally friendly paints have been used throughout.
Calm, harmonious colours continue through the interior, with parchment-shaded walls, stone-coloured concrete floors, warm sand-coloured carpet and pale cedar sloped ceilings. Pale blue walls, in the master bedroom, dressing room and ensuite, create a calm, restful mood.
The house and cottage are both fully insulated and all windows, doors and skylights are double-glazed. A very efficient, passive solar design system makes optimum use of the sun to warm the house in the colder months. As well, there is a fully compliant log burner. A large 280 litre hot water cylinder is solar heated. The cottage has solar power, a gas cooker, 3 way fridge and composting toilet.
Set in a safe, serene elevated location, no chemical sprays have been used on this totally organic property and there is an ample supply of pristine quality, spring-fed water. The close-knit community, residing in the area, shares a love of the natural environment, including native trees, bush and bird life.
The property is 15 minutes comfortable drive from Nelson city on the beautiful coastal highway leading towards Marlborough and the Sounds. The wide, sealed road has sweeping views over the Haven and Tasman Bay to the distant mountain ranges, before heading inland. Bordered by farms and lifestyle blocks, the highway continues north. Hillwood Road, a wide sealed road, is the first road on the right past the Nelson North Country Club. It is 1.6 kilometers to the property on a wide shared private driveway.
It is less than 5 minutes drive to the small settlement of Hira, via the Gentle Annie, a low incline leading towards the Cable Bay turn-off. It has a primary school and pre-school, a comprehensive store, petrol station and church.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the area; tramping, mountain biking, walking, horse trekking, four-wheel motor biking and sky wire adventures at Happy Valley, just before Hira, on the Cable Bay Road. Further down the road, there is excellent fishing, kayaking and windsurfing at Cable Bay. The coastline around the Bay is alive with birds, seals and dolphins and is adjacent to the newly created Horoirangi Marine Reserve, which offers first-class snorkeling and diving. There are two cafes at Happy Valley and one at Cable Bay. It is a short bike ride to the Wakapuaka tennis courts and The Glen, a perfect place for family cycling, or beach walks with the dog.
The school bus service runs past the Hillwood roadside entrance to the city. It transports students to Clifton Terrace Primary School, less than 10 minutes away, and takes pupils to and from Nelson preparatory schools and colleges.
Nelson, a popular tourist destination, has the fourth largest airport in the country and is well serviced by airlines. Flight time from both Auckland and Christchurch is 1 hour 20 minutes and from Wellington, 40 minutes.
