The executive residence at Karaka on the Manukau’s southern shores features a single-level four-bedroom/two-bathroom dwelling, and a separate barn stylishly converted into a comfortable and chic two-bedroom dwelling.

The clean-lined and light-filled T-shaped north-facing homestead sits on a large 2.525-hectare section segregated into several different and distinct ‘zones’ by mature hedges.

Entry to the tastefully designed home is via a grand foyer – leading into the living areas with their polished concrete flooring, while a dramatic, wide hallway connects to the bedrooms along one wing, and the garage, powder room, and laundry accessed down the other wing. Three of the four double bedrooms enjoy peaceful views over the vast lawn and Karaka Inlet at its base.

Meanwhile, situated privately in one corner of the property hidden behind one of the many hedges is a two-storey remodelled New England-style barn with its own driveway access and outdoor courtyard.

Built to an extremely high standard, the luxury 305-square metre home at 126 Blackridge Road in Karaka is now being marketed for sale by tender through Bayleys Takanini, with the tender closing on 28th June. Salesperson Stefni Baigent said the home exuded an air of spaciousness through the extensive use windows, along with a high stud ceiling – exemplified in the cathedral roofline above the open plan dining room/living room overlooked by the kitchen.

“All of these features ensure this stunning residence is bathed in natural light from all angles overlooking the Karaka Inlet feeding into the Manukau Harbour,” Baigent said.

“The home’s elongated entertainer’s kitchen - with a discreet walk-in butler’s pantry housing plenty of additional cupboard space - is punctuated in the middle by a dramatic and sleek hand-crafted timber-top central bench which draws the eyeline over its richly-grained finish to the open plan dining and living room space,” she said.

“This area delivers the ultimate in indoor-outdoor flow – with stacker sliding doors on three sides bringing the outside greenery vistas inside. This link with the natural environment is showcased by the eye-catching three-metre-high schist stone fireplace.”

“An alfresco entertaining area complete with its own outdoor fire hearth and built-in stereo speakers, sits on the other side of the wall at the end of the home, with a wrap-around concrete walkway framing the home’s footprint.”

Stefni said the home’s master bedroom had its own high-end en-suite, and 6.6-metre walk-in wardrobe, while its double car garaging was enhanced with additional designated parking for at least another four vehicles on the sizeable, gravelled area adjacent to the driveway.

“Sitting on a flat section, there is more than enough lawn space for any new owner to add a new dimension to resort living – by looking at installing a full-sized inground swimming pool, laying down a tennis court or golf putting green, or for the construction of a stylish spa pool complex…. all of which would enjoy total privacy,” she said.

“Meanwhile, for those who like their recreational enjoyment with an aquatic preference, the home’s waterfront boundary means kayaks and jet skis can be used to go up the inlet out to the harbour.”

Stefni Baigent said the property’s separate barn dwelling contained its own kitchenette and bathroom – giving any new owners the opportunity of flexible family living.

For those looking to become totally immersed in the Karaka’s semi-rural lifestyle living, a large fenced and hedge-lined paddock area on the property’s western boundary is perfectly suited for grazing a couple of sheep, pigs, alpacas, or chickens, or for establishing an orchard or vegetable garden. Additional fenced grassed spaces are also situated in front of the barn dwelling.

With so many potential lifestyle activities to choose from – from kayaking on the harbour through to tending the livestock and gardens – any new owner of the Blackridge Road lodge home will of course need storage space for equipment. And the solution comes in the form of an implement shed and workshop attached to the barn.

Click here for more information on the listing.