To see more Customkit buildings and to fi nd the one that’s right for you go to www.customkit.co.nz

Products Paint: Bathroom interior, Resene Pearl Lusta.Windows & doors: VANTAGE Honey and Magnolia, supplied by Summit Aluminium.Roof: Colorsteel Endura New Denim Blue, supplied by Franklin Long Roofi ng.Rainwater systems: Marley PVC downpipes.Horses: www.spanishhorsesnz.com

Customkit Building of the Month | JulyAdvertorialA

DV

2015

It’s not often you get a second chance in

life, particularly when it comes to

returning to a property you once loved.

In Sabina and Philip’s case, they

are now back in their ‘home sweet home’ at

Mystery Creek in the Waikato more than 10

years after they fi rst sold it, with a

commitment to create the perfect lifestyle.

In 1999 they were ahead of their time,

creating a house with Customkit when the

company then focused mainly on building

barns, stables and sheds. Sabina and Philip’s

house was then a concept design and one of

the few options on offer.

After a visit with Michael Anselmi at

Customkit’s Fieldays stand, and then

driving up to Pukekohe to further confi rm

their plans, the two made the decision to

build with Customkit. The rest is history.

“We liked the overall look, especially for a

country setting. The house was well-priced

Second-time around, Sabina Holle and Philip Barrett’s passion for their Customkit home is as strong as ever.

COMING HOMEfor its design, plus we thought the modular

structures would give us options to expand

in the future,” says Philip.

An added bonus for German-born Sabina

was the two-storey design reminded her of

houses from her homeland.

The couple met at university where

Philip was fi nishing his postgraduate

degree to become a resource management

planner and Sabina was doing a PhD in

veterinary science. They then moved to the

Waikato where Philip started his job

with DOC Waikato Conservancy.

Eleven years ago, the couple sold up to

further pursue their careers, moving fi rst to

Auckland and then the South Island. They

owned a stunning property in Rangiora but

they couldn’t help pining for life back in the

Waikato.

They started looking at properties for sale

just at the time their old house was put back

on the market. It didn’t take them long to

say ‘why not?’ and there was a happy

reunion of home and owners.

The overall layout still appeals to the

couple just as much now as when it was

originally built. The house has a proper

entrance and corridor area, with a stairwell

to the upstairs level. They love the size of the

master bedroom and ensuite upstairs, the

family/living area with its coved ceiling, and

the generously-sized double garage.

The house is well-oriented to catch the

sun, keeping it warm and cozy in winter.

The fi replace fl ue in the main living area

goes all the way through the master

bedroom, helping to spread the heat.

There are plans now to extend the living

area, add room for a library and enlarge the

kitchen.

Sharing the property with Sabina and

Philip are two Border collie/retriever

OPPOSITE PAGE: Home sweet Customkit home, the second time around.CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: A naturalfl ow from the outside, in; living andentertaining areas are open, spacious, and warm; a cosy corner in the master bedroom; the bright and airy bathroom where even the tiles are Spanish; Sabina riding her Spanish stallion, Jaleador.

crosses and Sabina’s Spanish purebred

horses.Sabina’s love of this breed started

when she was a child and has grown into a

successful stud and breeding program.

“We have our main stallion, Jaleador de

JC III, that we imported from Spain in 2007.

Just recently, we purchased a young colt in

Australia that arrived here in June. The rest

are broodmares and fi llies ranging in age

from three to 10 years of age. After breeding

and handling these horses there’s no

question they are a special horse, very

trainable and wonderful equine

companions,” says Sabina.

And living, it seems, in a very special part

of the world that draws people back.

PHOTO: ANTONIA STEEG