Timeless family home at Botany Downs

From the road, or up close, this new home in Botany Downs is virtually indistinguishable from the traditional weatherboard homes that have been used on New Zealand homes since the late 19th century.

Designed by leading architect Kerry Avery of Avery Team Architecture, the home makes a very strong design statement with the boxed pillars, portico, and strong blue colour scheme of the Linea Weatherboard cladding. At the same time however, it seems to have already settled into this new neighbourhood, exuding a sense of tradition and permanence usually found in more established suburbs.

Today Linea Weatherboard continues the tradition of deep shadow lines, box corners, window trims and facia – but renders it in a high-tech low-maintenance low density ceramic weatherboard which won't warp, split or rot.

Inside the front door of this spectacular two storey family home you enter a spacious marbled entry area. From here a wide hallway takes you to the roomy lounge with its gas fireplace or you can walk straight into the family room with a breakfast area adjacent to the kitchen.

The stylish kitchen has granite bench tops and the very latest in home appliances. Between the kitchen and the lounge there is a separate formal dining room. The indoor-outdoor flow is easy with verandahs along the northern side and patio doors leading from the lounge and family room. Also on the ground floor is a guest toilet, laundry and two car garaging.

Upstairs is open and airy. The parents' retreat comprises a large master bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe and a tiled bathroom with pedestal basin. There are three another large bedrooms on this level which share a second spacious bathroom. Completing the upper level is an open plan office with cathedral ceilings and large storage cupboards on the landing area.