55D Palmerston Road, Havelock North, Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, 4130, New Zealand

Enter between beautifully manicured gardens on a driveway that conjures images of Tuscany, we arrive at a home of architectural splendor. Positioned perfectly to accommodate the interesting landscape, thought has gone into every detail.

Architect Barbara Baker took the brief and designed a home that enjoys open spaces for coming together and private spaces for moments of contemplation. Open-plan living has bi-folding doors on either side and lets the breeze gently caress the whole area in the perfume of the beautiful gardens. The butler’s pantry is ideal as it hides the preparation for the most elaborate dinner parties.

A few steps up take you to the library, a private living area that opens straight onto the composite decking that wraps around the north-side of the home. This is a place to relax and listen to the cacophony of bird life that echoes all around. Further upstairs will take you to the master suite with enormous walk-in wardrobe and luxurious en-suite. Sky lights open above the bed, and you can watch the shooting stars as they pass by. Never fear, a drop of rain and they close automatically.

Back on the main level is a separate wing consisting of two generous bedrooms with double wardrobes and another immaculate bathroom resplendent with deep bath, walk-in shower and heated floors. This entire area has its own access and can be shut off from the rest of the home. Everything is brought together with a three-story lift that runs from the entryway to the living room to the master suite.

Built for any season, one would be comfortable on the balcony off the living room in the summer, or warmly kept in insulated walls, ceilings and floors, along with thermal double glazing in the winter. An immaculate home with picture perfect landscaping and attention to every detail only minutes away from Woodford and Iona private schools and minutes to Havelock North Village.