Kelburn

This very special piece of paradise has been owned by the late renowned photographer and author, John Johns, who focused his work on the natural environment. He and his wife choose to live within this environment to bring up their family in this idyllic 2813m2 site with paths through the forest of regenerating native bush and outstanding introduced species. A Dawn Redwood meets you at the front porch of the house as does a Scarlet Oak, so delightfully red and orange in Autumn and kindly letting in light in the winter. There are several mature Totara standing tall plus 2 Beech trees and a Liquid Amber amongst other special specimens. There is even a stream way back from the house with a delightful bridge complementing its surroundings. The home itself fits into the landscape well with its 1940's character intact and so beautifully maintained. Although inside is not adorned with the latest interior design, many sought after features are still intact with bay windows and original quality timber floors. An addition to the house in the 1950's resulted in a very spacious living room with French doors at each end to enable enjoyment of the morning and afternoon sun. An extended feature wall of river stones dominates around the fireplace which creates the opportunity for a cosy nook in such a large room, the ceiling has those very special Chapman Taylor Beams This home has 3 bedrooms and the owner's dark room, which is sited beside the kitchen/dining, lends itself to be opened up together to create a larger kitchen/dining space. Because of the special nature of this property, and its owner's wishes, they obviously would not be happy for this property to be sold into even low density development but would maybe look at offers from families who need a 2nd dwelling for 2 generational living. Of course they would prefer to sell to a young family who would inherit the special lifestyle this home's family and 3 daughters enjoyed growing up in this environment. Nestled at the top of Stokes Valley with a bus just along from the gate and only 15 minutes' drive to the Lower Hutt CBD (less to Upper Hutt) your children could safely drive to school just down the road. Gosh what an envious lifestyle could be had here.