4 Essex St, Aro Valley, Wellington City, Wellington

Inspect BY APPOINTMENT

The sight of the moon rising above Mt Victoria and the more distant, purple mountains behind.

First morning light through my bedroom window and the sun streaming in.

Reading the Dominion Post bathed in sun at my dining room table, and even when it's raining, enjoying the quality of light and wonderful views from almost every window. I especially love seeing the higgledy-piggledy rooftops of the valley, the cityscape and the hills beyond.

Hearing the friendly sound of a goose cackling across the valley; the joyousness of Tui drunk on nectar in the cherry tree, the cry of the Kaka, and in the evening, the mournful sound of a distant Morepork. Morning smells: Aro Cafe's great coffee, and new bread baking at Arobake patisserie. The smell of hops from the Garage Project brewery wafting up the street.

The fresh smell of my garden after rain; the scent of roses, jasmine, Australian frangipani, and honeysuckle in my somewhat quirky cottage garden - a garden where new vistas open up around every corner.

The sight of big Peasegood's Nonsuch apples heavy on the tree, purple plums, rhubarb and even gooseberries on my ancient gooseberry bush.

The peace and seclusion of my garden. Lunching with friends on my sunny north facing deck underneath the shade of the gingko tree. Being lucky enough to have such a private sheltered haven so close to the city.

The feeling of LIFE in Aro village. The buzz, the stimulation, the laughter, the robust political debate, the conversations, the wonderful sense of community and friendship. It's a place where old and young come together. Where bohemians and business people, political activists, artists and artisans, cyclists and walkers chew the fat.

I love being able to walk almost everywhere: a minute or so to the shops and cafes on Aro Street. And let's not forget the bus stop; 8 minutes up the hill to Victoria University, 26 minutes to Parliament, 10 minutes or less to the eateries and shops of Cuba Street.