Some properties give you a house. This one gives you options. Penhill House pairs a beautifully characterful villa with a fully self-contained tiny home - a combination that opens up real possibilities, whether that's housing extended family, carving out a work-from-home space with proper separation or generating rental income. Set on 5363 m2 (approx) with rolling rural and sea views, it delivers the space and privacy of a lifestyle block, minus the workload. At 242 m2 (approx), the main residence is generous in every sense - soaring decorative ceilings, dark timber joinery and rooms with real proportions, all brought up to date with modern comforts.

There's room to spread out or retreat. The main lounge, newly carpeted, centres around a fireplace and big windows that frame the view, while a second living area can be used as a media room, family space or quiet zone of its own. The kitchen holds its own - quality appliances, generous storage, a breakfast bar - and flows naturally into dining and living, or out to either of two decks made for entertaining. Sleeping arrangements stretch to four-five bedrooms (or a home office), with two ensuites - the master anchored by a striking timber vanity - plus a third bathroom covering the rest of the home.

Outside strikes a rare balance: enough lawn and garden to enjoy, not so much you're chained to it. Several outdoor living zones mean you can chase the sun or duck the wind, whatever the day calls for. A 63 m2 (approx) three car garage and generous off-street parking round things out. Tucked into Maxwell/Pakaraka, this is a genuine step back from the pace of things - yet Whanganui's schools, services and city amenities are only around 20 minutes away, with the coast close enough to enjoy. For buyers after flexibility, character and true separate accommodation, Penhill House is hard to match.