Although Dee and James were both once city slickers their last three properties have been in the country. They bought their Coatesville house five years ago to be closer to James’ business and couldn’t be happier.
Who lives here?
- Deidre Bailey (GM sales for NZME radio)
- James Bailey (director of hospitality at Click)
- Harry, 8
- Max the German Shepherd
- Heff the West Highland terrier
- Dodie the Burmese
- Lizzie the 29-year-old pony
- Several sheep, chickens and ducks.
Deidre, what do you love most about living in Coatesville?
We know all our neighbours, which doesn’t happen very often in the city. At Christmas we hold a village green street party and put on a barbecue for everyone.
What’s your latest project in the garden?
We have just put an orchard in between the creek and the house. We’ve planted peaches, pears and avocado. Frosts weren’t a problem for the avocado trees but they were hit by possums unfortunately. The best possum deterrents I have found are our dogs.
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Max sits alongside the lily pond by the front door.
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Waterlilies shade the pond’s surface in summer.
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A side path with Harry’s treehouse in the background.
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A louvred pergola shades the outdoor living area next to the house.
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Heff the West Highland terrier in the pool enclosure which was given a more contemporary makeover by Dee and James.
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Clivia flower.
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Harry loves to feed the chickens and the Muscovy ducks.
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Opposite the front entrance is an open green area planted with mature trees
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Words by: Carol Bucknell. Photography by: Melanie Jenkins
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