17 Watts Street, Waipawa, Central Hawke's Bay, Hawke's Bay

This is the home equivalent of the quiet achiever. From the street, it's all white picket fence charm and buttoned up good manners. Step through the gate and you'll quickly discover there's a whole lot more to this property than first meets the eye! Relocated in 2006 and beautifully updated since, it's a home that's not only easy on the eye but practical too. The open-plan kitchen, dining and living area is the social heart of the home, where conversations flow as easily as the sunshine through the bi-fold doors. Throw them open and suddenly the deck becomes another living room. Covered for year-round entertaining, it's the perfect spot for barbecues, birthday parties, Friday night wines or lazy Sunday coffees. There are three bedrooms, a family bathroom, a wood burner for chilly winter nights, heat pump and gas hot water. And if you need even more space, you've got options. The oversized double garage includes a separate studio with its own facilities, ideal for working from home, teenagers wanting a little independence, guests, or somewhere to escape with a hobby. Plus, there's still a separate cabin if that's not enough. The 1,011m2 section has been cleverly terraced and beautifully established, with lawn for kids, pets and backyard fun, raised vegetable gardens, citrus trees, a woodshed, garden shed and plenty of space to spread out. There are 14 solar panels feeding excess power back into the grid, plus two 25,000-litre rainwater tanks with filtration system. Tucked away on one of Waipawa's most desirable streets on the north side of town, you'll enjoy a fantastic neighbourhood, easy access to the highway and an easy 30-minute commute to Hastings.