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For Dianne and Paul, it wasn’t just the house that made them move to Paerata Rise, it was the feeling they got driving into the neighbourhood.
“As soon as you come off the motorway at Drury, there’s this sense of relaxation,” says Paul. “By the time I pull into the roundabout, I’m thinking, ‘oh, I’m home’.”
After years in east Auckland raising their families, the couple was ready for a home that better suited this stage of life, somewhere lower maintenance, more connected and a little slower paced.
“We came from a big two-level, you know, four bedrooms. The kids had all gone their own ways and overseas and now it was time for us, and single-level living is so much easier.”
Their home at Paerata Rise gave them exactly that. Easy-care living, indoor-outdoor flow, a view of the oak trees and enough room for George, their golden retriever an unofficial local celebrity.
“When we moved out here, we got a lot more bang for buck.” But it’s the community they talk about most. “The people are lovely and we’ve made some very good friends.” Over time, their laneway has become its own little community. Friday night drinks happen regularly, neighbours bring a plate and everyone looks out for each other.
Three years on, it’s the little things they love most about life at Paerata Rise, neighbours stopping for chats, impromptu drinks in the lane and the feeling that life has become just that little bit easier.
