Kaipaki good life ‘like a resort’

Julie and David Toon spent a decade in London from around 2000, living in a small house in Wimbledon.

In 2010, returning to New Zealand to take up a job offer, they decided to give their three young children a complete change of scene, seeking somewhere with space to raise them, an update of the dairy farm childhood David enjoyed.

They found a classic 1920s Waikato farm homestead in Mystery Creek, close to Kaipaki, as David explains.

“We were attracted to the period architecture: high ceilings and character. It has a Cape Cod look and feel, is north facing and spacious. Unlike our small London house our neighbours were right out of earshot, so the children were able to run off steam with no issues.

“They loved it. It was like being on a resort, with the tennis court and the pool, good lawns, paddocks, sheds and stables. We have made the most of the ‘good life,’ with dogs, cats, chickens and ponies, everything you can’t have in London,” he says.

While David grew up in the country, Julie’s city background meant she was less certain about a lifestyle property, at least initially.

“Although I was apprehensive at first, I quickly became used to country living. Being able to walk along peaceful rural Waikato lanes to Kaipaki Primary School was such a contrast to London.

“It’s a semi-rural community, not isolated, so easy to get back into town, though still with that rural feel with the school doing ag days, and all the standard country things,” she says.

After a few years in the property they embarked on a significant renovation.

“We updated the kitchen, adding a big scullery, and we replaced the bathrooms. Some additions had been made to the original house in the 70s, 80s and late 90s. Our mission was to make sure those were consistently brought into the same style,” says David.

In this house the Toons have made the most of the scope to entertain.

“Harking back to our time in Wimbledon, we have had great hilarity running ‘Kaipaki-don’ family and friends doubles tournaments on the tennis court, with the only rule that any competent tennis players must remain on opposite sides of the net.

“With verandas on every aspect, we spend most of the year eating outdoors, shaded from the summer sun when necessary, and looking over the tennis court and paddocks,” says Julie.

Two of their children are now at university. Meanwhile, another career opportunity, this time in the South Island, has meant the couple spending time apart this year, which they have decided to put right by selling and relocating.

Julie and David called in Trevor Kenny of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Hamilton to present their home to the market.

“This is an appealing property with undoubted ‘wow’ factor.

“Ideally located five kilometres east of Hamilton Airport, 12 kilometres west of Cambridge and 111 kilometres south of Papakura, access to the best of Waikato is right at hand.

“The expansive renovated four bedroom homestead has five car garaging, including space for a boat, a single bedroom self-contained apartment, and a one-bedroom studio, also recently renovated. Set in well maintained grounds with established trees and shrubs throughout, the in-ground glass fenced pool, barbecue area and tennis court make it a real entertainer’s show piece,” says Trevor.

Julie and David’s property goes to auction on 10 November.