By special request luxury country residence by Masonry Design Solutions

Living in the country doesn't have to mean sacrificing city luxuries. On the contrary, as this project shows, there is often the room to create a home that is significantly out of the ordinary.

This country residence, on a large lifestyle block, has more in common with a luxury hotel than a farm house. Designed by Mark Wilson of Masonry Design Solutions, the masonry home has a strong symmetry and an imposing solidity that also reflects a modernist French influence.

"The owners wanted a very sumptuous, hotel-like residence," Wilson says. "This helped determine the design of the entry in particular. For example, there is a large portico outside the front entry, which is also very formal."

The symmetry of the architecture is evident from the exterior, with stepped wings either side of a central living area. The design maximises the picturesque country outlook and the sunlight, and provides passive heating benefits.

"The Firth Hotbloc construction not only creates an extremely well insulated home, but also helps to reinforce the architectural design," says Wilson. "The thick walls and deep reveals give the house a solid durable foundation this is a home that will endure for generations."

To cater to the needs of the family, there are several living areas in the 875m² home a formal living room, formal dining room, informal living area and kitchen, separate children's lounge and an alfresco living area in a large loggia. There is also a large, below-ground wine cellar with a traditional barrel-vault ceiling.

"The entire house flows seamlessly from one space to the other, making it well suited to entertaining on a grand scale," says Wilson. "At the rear, the living areas open up to a landscaped terrace and swimming pool there is also a pool house in a similar architectural style."

The cosy, inviting ambience of the living areas and library is enhanced by gas fires from Real Fires. All the fires can be operated by remote control.

"Everyone loves sitting around a fire," says Wilson. "For the living room, I specified a very natural log-look gas fire. It provides all the comfort and aesthetics of a traditional wood fireplace, but without the hassle."

Wilson says he chooses products from Real Fires for his new home projects for a number of reasons, including the extensive range of fire sizes and styles.

"I also appreciate the quality of the service provided by Real Fires and the back-up."

For further information, contact Masonry Design Solutions, phone (09) 448 1101, mobile 021 597 347. Alternatively, visit the website: www.themasonrygroup.co.nz.

Or contact Real Fires, cnr Archers and Poland Rds, Glenfield, Auckland 0745, phone (09) 444 7331. Email: info@realfires.co.nz. Or visit the website: www.realfires.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas