20 Tupara Crescent Kawaha Point, Rotorua District

Over 40 years ago, Joe La Grouw saw the potential in this exceptional 4,548 sqm (more or less) site in prestigious Kawaha Point, that rolled gently down to the edge of Lake Rotorua.

As owner of Lockwood Homes at the time, he got to work on his vision, designing an architectural triumph that would stand the test of time, as impressive today as when it was constructed and a testament to the high-performing, quality Lockwood Homes brand.

Joe and his wife Jo-Anne moved in after their wedding, and over the years, the home has been the backdrop to family life, special occasions and numerous celebrations, as well as fundraising events, festivals and exhibitions.

Set well back from the street for privacy, the arrival through established planting is all part of the charm. The home welcomes you with its grand entry, where soaring ceilings and a showcase mezzanine gallery set the scene. A chandelier cascades from the full-height ceiling, and timber balustrades gleam in the light as they curve upwards to the landing above. Just off the entry is the powder room, a practical space with loads of storage for guests to freshen up and hang their coats on arrival.

On the main level, the living spaces face the sun and the lake, drifting from the lounge at one end to formal dining and lounge on the other. A feature schist fireplace with ethanol burners can be used for ambience during dinner parties and special occasions. The owners have also enjoyed spending time relaxing in the large conservatory/sunroom.

In 2005-2007 the home was expanded and today it includes six bedrooms, three ensuites, a family bathroom and the powder room. There are plenty of private spaces for family and guests to enjoy, along with special extra spaces to indulge in creative pastimes, including a walk-through art gallery, a sewing room and a library/reading space. The kitchen is new and comes with a walk-in pantry, and there is a bar and a temperature-controlled wine cellar.

In addition to the off-street parking available for guests, this impressive residence comes with three-car internal access garaging plus a high-stud boat shed with an integrated workshop space. Access to the grounds at the back of the shed has proven invaluable for the owners when setting up for their special events.

Outdoors, you'll discover many pockets of beautiful living spaces and special features, from the pumice stone patios to the rose garden, rockeries, water features and ferneries. The owners' love of art is evident amongst the gardens and the grassy avenues, which are like galleries of their own, filled with marble and stone feature lights, joyful statements and quirky features. As impressive as they are, Jo-Anne says that the grounds are designed to be as low-maintenance as possible and she tends to much of it without outside help.

The jetty that belongs to the property is a rare and valuable asset, offering a gateway to water sports and fishing that is not often found with properties in today's times.

Owners Joe and Jo-Anne have lovingly cared for this very special property for many years. Now, it is time for a new family to make their own memories here, to enjoy the extraordinary setting, the lake, the gardens and the home, and to write the next chapter in the story of this truly remarkable lakeside landmark estate