Solid as a rock

This home is built using traditional building methods with an emphasis on quality, usability and durability – and it shows.

The first thing you feel when you walk into 83 Seaview Road is the sense of light and space. Sitting high on a hill, the home is perfectly positioned to take full advantage of the panoramic valley views over Waiheke, with Auckland city in the distance and inside, the high ceilings, large windows and warm interior fill the home with sun.

The views from the living areas and deck are expansive and I notice the Sky Tower in the distance. “It's like fairyland at night,” says Jeff. “You've got a sprinkling of lights from the houses on Waiheke then the city lights and the Sky Tower in the distance.”

When Kelly and Jeff Coxhead first bought the two sections there was no vehicle access and both sections were covered with gorse. Jeff spent two months clearing the land by hand, as no heavy machinery could get up the hill. Looking at the property now, you wouldn't know.

They have planted over 1000 trees on the property which are now well-established and at the rear of the home is a large lawn and garden. A large concrete driveway leads up to the garage, carport and parking area and an extra room next to the garage – which could be used as an office or rumpus room – is plumbed for a bathroom.

The house is built using traditional building methods with an emphasis on quality, usability and durability – and it shows. Jeff is a builder and built the home himself. After drawing up the initial floor plans, Kelly and Jeff went to architect Hauke Groot, who completed the design and oversaw the technical side of things. He helped incorporate Jeff's main priorities of good insulation and weather-proofing, coupled with functionality and usability.

“We wanted something that was totally usable and functional,” says Jeff. “There's not a centimetre of wasted space in the house. No corners or unusable areas.”

The use of quality materials and handmade craftsmanship is on show throughout. The main living area has Vitex solid hardwood flooring from the Solomon Islands, which has been certified sustainable, and the four large bedrooms are all double-gibed and with solid doors, making them warm and soundproof. Jeff points out other unique details, such as the floor-to-ceiling windows, and higher-than-usual architraves.

The built-in thermostatically controlled, three speed heat transfer system has never been used, because, says Jeff, the high ceilings and the design of the house allows for the heat from the wood-burner to flow throughout the house.

“And we haven't had to use any other heater either,” says Jeff. “That's largely because of the quality insulation and the cavity system we used when building.”

There are two Infinity water heaters installed in the house, which means plenty of hot water for everyone and the bathrooms are fitted with touch-pad heat sensors, for safety and to reduce water wastage, particularly important for Kelly and Jeff with three small children.

“It's been a fantastic family home,” says Kelly. “The kids have loved it here and the bonus has been the school's just down the road.”

Jeff agrees. “When I built the house I made sure that all the gates and outdoor areas were secure for the kids, so they can play safely. Also, you can see the courtyard and back garden from virtually anywhere in the house.”

Before purchasing their current property, Kelly and Jeff progressively renovated and sold three houses in Surfdale – all within metres of each other – and they had a child born in each house. They are now thinking of getting another project once they sell – buying a do-up and reselling again. Jeff's skill as a traditional builder (“do it once, do it right”) and Kelly's interior design skills make for the perfect partnership it seems.

Inside, the home has been tastefully painted and decorated by Kelly, and on the walls and shelves is evidence of a life well travelled. Fabrics from Africa, where they spent time travelling overland and artefacts and embroidery from India, where they travelled around on an old Enfield motorcycle. Kelly works on the island as an inbound travel agent and at Wild on Waiheke.

On the cleared section next to the house – which is also for sale – sits an old school bus, which Jeff has stripped it down to the chassis and is rebuilding, with a view to having it up-and-running by the summer. They are hoping to have enough time to go to places and visit old friends. “It will give us total flexibility,” says Kelly. “It's cheap living and will also give us a place to live while we're doing our next project.”

The house is nestled into the hill and looks like it belongs there. At 244sqm it is a large home, with plenty of room for a family to enjoy. It also has complete privacy – no one can see in and no one can build close by.

“And the neighbours are great,” says Jeff. “It really is a lovely place to live.”

I would have to agree.