17 Trolove Place, Stoke, Nelson

Mediterranean villa - unmatched splendour

This is one of those ultra rare properties that will have you shaking your head in amazement. It's majestic size (347sqm plus separate studio apartment) and its half-acre (2,215sqm) park-like gardens are just part of the story.

This Mediterranean villa is resort-like in its magnificent accommodation - complete with swimming pool and magnificent garden entertaining space - but despite all its no-expense-spared construction (by the builder/joiner owner) and splendour it is tasteful, authentic and homely.

This is the ultimate in family living; two stories of beautiful spaces - some large, some intimate, looking out to an oasis of gardens and lawn, set at the end of a cul-de-sac with a stream reserve at the back for even more heavenly privacy.

You don't need to leave home when you have all this to enjoy, and the studio with its own courtyard and parking offers proven, excellent income, or an in-laws retreat or a pleasant home business base.

The Tuscan theme is unmistakable throughout, from the plastered, thick concrete walls, the Italian terracotta roof tiles, the beautiful timbers - arched over doors and windows - and the gardens bordered by low hedges and curved plastered walls.

It's very Kiwi, too, with its mature, native trees and shrubs to attract the birds and bees, spectacular rose gardens, meandering pathways and little nooks around the property to bring joy and peace.

The simple house facts are these: four bedrooms, three bathrooms, four toilets, huge family room, separate lounge opening to the gardens and an upstairs lounge and another stunningly large bedroom. There's a chicken run and house, too, with a sensor door that closes at dusk.

Look closer to see the details; security system, wonderful tiles and timbers, the decorative handles on cupboards and door handles, the massive bridge-timber lounge beam, the copper spouting and the large double garage.