We built a house and ended up with a village
What started as a quest for barefoot living culminated in the creation of Songbird Villa and Cottage - a breathtaking utopia in Matheson Bay that not only showcases stunning sea views but also exemplifies the warmth and generosity of the magical community in Leigh.
When a new property appears on the horizon, people ask, ‘how did the house build go?’, to which the reply is often, ‘oh you know, ups and downs, touch and go, but we’re in now and that’s a relief’. What a short summing up of something so momentous in one’s life. It’s almost as if talking about the stress, the level of superpower endurance required, and the tears of despair, can’t really be expressed or talked about. When asked if they would do it all again, the response comes so rapidly, that you can almost feel the fear that goes with it, ‘No!’.
Adam and Katherine emigrated from the UK in 2016 for a sunnier, healthier, more liberating lifestyle. Barefoot living and a beach down the road tugged on their parental heartstrings to ensure their then three year old daughter would have a carefree and happy childhood. So, they gathered up their two dogs and two cats to embark on a seven year adventure that has resulted in the creation of a stunning utopia, named Songbird.
Ask them if they would do it all again and the answer is surprisingly, yes. When asked why, Katherine sums it up easily, “we came to New Zealand without any family or friends. Having built a lifestyle property in Matheson Bay, we now have everything to call this place home. Building from the ground up takes courage, skills and money (more money than you expect!), but it also takes good people. We employed locals wherever we could, from the builder, electrician, plumber, painter, landscaper and everyone in between, and in doing so we started to create our new friends and family. Matheson Bay in Leigh is a magical community with a generosity of heart and kindness that can be felt in all that the property is and represents. We didn’t just build a house, we ended up with a village.”
Leaving is heart-breaking, but a new project calls and the Wooler’s are hoping this extraordinary property will capture the hearts of new custodians, not only with the stunning sea views from Songbird Villa and the idyllic Songbird Cottage in its own private valley and landscaped gardens, but also the welcoming community that exists right on its doorstep.
www.Bayleys.co.nz/1170283 | Victoria Turner 021 795 099