Top storiesNew ZealandPoliticsBusinessEntertainmentSportsWorld

Waimauku has it over Coatesville for lifestyle and things to do

Tuesday, 16 June 2026

This Waimauku country sanctuary has 20 acres of grounds and native landscaping.
This Waimauku country sanctuary has 20 acres of grounds and native landscaping.

This Waimauku country sanctuary at 909 Old North Road looks like it’s been transplanted straight out of Tuscany, but it has plenty of Kiwi colour and personality to leave its new owner in no doubt about where they are in the world.

This is truly an estate – with 20 acres of grounds and native landscaping –the house totalling 500 sqm with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a designer kitchen with bespoke cabinetry, a swimming pool and pool house, as well as extra accommodation above the triple garage.

A custom-made staircase in New Zealand is one of the standout features of this appealing home leading to bedrooms upstairs and a turret office with rural views.

The house has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a designer kitchen with bespoke cabinetry, a swimming pool and pool house.
The house has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a designer kitchen with bespoke cabinetry, a swimming pool and pool house.

“The staircase was designed and fabricated in New Zealand by the design team in keeping with the rest of the interior,” say the vendors.

Although the European-style home looks as if it’s been there for centuries, stage one was built in 1998 and stage 2 in 2014. The current owners, Warwick and Onny Simmons, are the third to live there.

“We have always felt very privileged to call 909 home. It is a very special place,” say the couple.

Although the European-style home looks as if it’s been there for centuries, stage one was built in 1998 and stage 2 in 2014.
Although the European-style home looks as if it’s been there for centuries, stage one was built in 1998 and stage 2 in 2014.

The second owner was responsible for the 2014 additions and the home’s bold interior design, which includes hand painted murals and feature walls in gold or magenta.

As well as a grand entrance with intricate black and white tiling, the home has an inviting media room with lush velvet furnishings designed for comfort.

“Having dedicated rooms creates a purpose for each one and we use them accordingly. We spend our time in all of them which means the whole house is well utilised,” say the couple.

The home has a luxurious master suite, an equally grand dressing room and ensuite with copper-painted bath which was sourced locally.
The home has a luxurious master suite, an equally grand dressing room and ensuite with copper-painted bath which was sourced locally.

The home has a luxurious master suite, an equally grand dressing room and ensuite with copper-painted bath which was sourced locally.

On the same floor as the master suite are two bedrooms connected by an interlinking layout – ideal for families or guests – and each bathroom has been individually designed and customised.

Most of the planting on the property was done when the first house was built on the site back in 1998, say the vendors.

“One of the jobs we’ve undertaken was to remove many trees to allow the house to breathe and to create the new drive up to the house, along with more grass areas for future potential development,” says Onny.

This Waimauku country sanctuary at looks like it’s been transplanted straight out of Tuscany, but it has plenty of Kiwi colour and personality.
This Waimauku country sanctuary at looks like it’s been transplanted straight out of Tuscany, but it has plenty of Kiwi colour and personality.

This property has adapted itself to its owners’ passions over the years and will likely do so again with the new owner.

“The previous owners had a motor cross bike track, and we have always thought it could be remodelled into a six-hole golf course,” says Warwick.

“The walking tracks in the bush could also easily be extended down to the Kumeu River and the existing swimming pool could also be supplemented with an all-weather tennis court,” adds Onny.

The Simmons currently run the gite (or holiday rental) sitting above the triple garage as an Airbnb.

“This has allowed us to meet some interesting people from all over the world, some of whom have become good friends and travel buddies,” say the Simmons.

Most of the planting on the property was done when the first house was built on the site back in 1998, say the vendors.
Most of the planting on the property was done when the first house was built on the site back in 1998, say the vendors.

The stylish space comprises a spacious bedroom, kitchen dining and living space plus ensuite. Its vaulted black ceilings contrast with white walls and floors, and generous splashes of orange, pink and green connect the space back to the main house.

This is a home that makes a statement when people visit.

“People are all very impressed by the overall design and outlook, and by the peace and quiet. They love the décor and furnishings,” say the couple.

Who might this home suit? “The property lends itself to any number of potential buyers, from families to just couples looking for a safe haven, or even corporates looking for a special retreat,” say the vendors.

Warwick and Onny previously lived in Coatesville and say they prefer the location of Waimauku, 4 km west of Huapai.

“We much prefer the area as the local community is very welcoming and there are more things to do right on your doorstep, for example, the wineries, West Coast beaches and bush walks,” they say.

Getting into town takes around 30 minutes on the northwestern corridor and local shopping hubs are Kumeu, Westgate and Waimauku and Riverhead nearby.

Priced by negotiation through NZ Sotheby’s International Realty agent Natalie Newton, the vendors say their price expectations for 909 Old North Road are over $5.5 million with the current CV sitting at $6.325 million. This means this luxury home is an opportunity for Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa holders, they say.