Feature article

How Kiwi Live: Art Green’s quiet family haven

Art, Matilda and their three tamariki are enjoying their home in Warkworth, Auckland.

Last updated: 3 October 2024

After renting in Auckland’s Kohimarama for a few years, Art’s growing whānau looked to Trade Me Property for a family home within their budget. Landing on a gem in Warkworth, north of Auckland, they haven’t looked back.

All photos by Adrian Malloch.

Describe your home style in three words.

Homely. Villa. Messy.

The meaning of home

Home for me means family. As soon as Matilda and I moved in it felt very special to have a home with each other - one where we could start a family. As our family has grown, the house has felt more and more like home.

On entertaining in the house

We love entertaining in summer on our deck with friends and family. We love having lots of kids running in and out, playing on the trampoline, running under the sprinkler and screaming with laughter.

Starting the morning

Currently I start my mornings around 5:30am when my three-year-old daughter wakes up and comes in to bed with us for a cuddle. I then get up and have a cold shower - my brain doesn't wake up until I’ve done this. Then I turn on the coffee machine, make my kids’ breakfast and myself a coffee and begin the day.

Ending the day

I like to end my day by having a sauna in the sauna that we built in a small room under our house a few years ago. This is my ultimate wind down before reading my book in bed.

Favourite memory in this home

Last summer sitting in the sun on the lawn in bean bags watching our then four-year-old and two-year-old racing down the slip n slide while Matty was super pregnant. I remember thinking that we just have so many years of fun ahead of us.

What he’s most proud of

I’m equally proud of the hedge I planted not long after moving in which is now a monstrous hedge; and the kitchen which I recently completely renovating myself - pushing my DIY skills to their limits.

Favourite part of the home

The garden. I built a decent vegetable garden and I love being out there on spring and summer evenings when there are still bees about and everything smells wonderful and is growing well.

What would you save in a fire

I’d probably save one of my kids. Really hard to choose one publicly, but in my mind I think I know which one I’d save.

The dream home

It’s big and open plan with lots of windows. It gets a lot of sun. It has a tennis court and pool. It has lots of bedrooms for friends and family who visit often…

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Author

Alex Hallifax

Alex is a Marketing Specialist who is passionate about all things property. She understands that where we live isn't just about where we sleep – it's about how we live. Alex enjoys sharing the stories from the people of Aotearoa.