Post on 23-Jan-2017
transcript
To see more Customkit buildings and to fi nd the one that’s right for you go to www.customkit.co.nz
Products Paint: Bathroom interior, Resene Pearl Lusta.Windows & doors: VANTAGE Honey and Magnolia, supplied by Summit Aluminium.Roof: Colorsteel Endura New Denim Blue, supplied by Franklin Long Roofi ng.Rainwater systems: Marley PVC downpipes.Horses: www.spanishhorsesnz.com
Customkit Building of the Month | JulyAdvertorialA
DV
2015
It’s not often you get a second chance in
life, particularly when it comes to
returning to a property you once loved.
In Sabina and Philip’s case, they
are now back in their ‘home sweet home’ at
Mystery Creek in the Waikato more than 10
years after they fi rst sold it, with a
commitment to create the perfect lifestyle.
In 1999 they were ahead of their time,
creating a house with Customkit when the
company then focused mainly on building
barns, stables and sheds. Sabina and Philip’s
house was then a concept design and one of
the few options on offer.
After a visit with Michael Anselmi at
Customkit’s Fieldays stand, and then
driving up to Pukekohe to further confi rm
their plans, the two made the decision to
build with Customkit. The rest is history.
“We liked the overall look, especially for a
country setting. The house was well-priced
Second-time around, Sabina Holle and Philip Barrett’s passion for their Customkit home is as strong as ever.
COMING HOMEfor its design, plus we thought the modular
structures would give us options to expand
in the future,” says Philip.
An added bonus for German-born Sabina
was the two-storey design reminded her of
houses from her homeland.
The couple met at university where
Philip was fi nishing his postgraduate
degree to become a resource management
planner and Sabina was doing a PhD in
veterinary science. They then moved to the
Waikato where Philip started his job
with DOC Waikato Conservancy.
Eleven years ago, the couple sold up to
further pursue their careers, moving fi rst to
Auckland and then the South Island. They
owned a stunning property in Rangiora but
they couldn’t help pining for life back in the
Waikato.
They started looking at properties for sale
just at the time their old house was put back
on the market. It didn’t take them long to
say ‘why not?’ and there was a happy
reunion of home and owners.
The overall layout still appeals to the
couple just as much now as when it was
originally built. The house has a proper
entrance and corridor area, with a stairwell
to the upstairs level. They love the size of the
master bedroom and ensuite upstairs, the
family/living area with its coved ceiling, and
the generously-sized double garage.
The house is well-oriented to catch the
sun, keeping it warm and cozy in winter.
The fi replace fl ue in the main living area
goes all the way through the master
bedroom, helping to spread the heat.
There are plans now to extend the living
area, add room for a library and enlarge the
kitchen.
Sharing the property with Sabina and
Philip are two Border collie/retriever
OPPOSITE PAGE: Home sweet Customkit home, the second time around.CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: A naturalfl ow from the outside, in; living andentertaining areas are open, spacious, and warm; a cosy corner in the master bedroom; the bright and airy bathroom where even the tiles are Spanish; Sabina riding her Spanish stallion, Jaleador.
crosses and Sabina’s Spanish purebred
horses.Sabina’s love of this breed started
when she was a child and has grown into a
successful stud and breeding program.
“We have our main stallion, Jaleador de
JC III, that we imported from Spain in 2007.
Just recently, we purchased a young colt in
Australia that arrived here in June. The rest
are broodmares and fi llies ranging in age
from three to 10 years of age. After breeding
and handling these horses there’s no
question they are a special horse, very
trainable and wonderful equine
companions,” says Sabina.
And living, it seems, in a very special part
of the world that draws people back.
PHOTO: ANTONIA STEEG