64 Grey Street, Shannon, Horowhenua, Manawatu

Lift your foot ever so gently off life's accelerator and give your kids a childhood like you and their grandparents had. Built in the 1920s, it's almost as if peace and relaxation ooze from every weatherboard. Your children will relish space to play, grow, learn and laugh.

Polished wooden floors, wood panel ceilings, wooden fireplace surrounds and a feature window in one of the bedrooms all add to a feeling of comfort and informality. A working Shacklock 501 coal range in the dining room creates a country cottage feel you'll find hard to leave.

The kitchen is modern with a new ceramic cooktop, oven, splashback and rangehood. The pantry has display shelving allowing you to add your own touches to the kitchen decor. Plenty of cupboard space means you'll have no reason not to preserve the produce from the large orchard. Raspberry jam, anyone?

The three bedrooms are all doubles and there is potential to re-arrange living areas to create a fourth. Winter nights won't be a drag with a brand-new fireplace in the master bedroom and the owners report the house's insulation works a treat.

French doors open from the dining room to the lush backyard. The established gardens offer views to the Tararua ranges. Wide open, yet private areas mean you won't end up in your neighbours' selfies. There's room to swing not just a cat, but dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs in the fully fenced section. Chickens are already catered for with a chook house. If you need even more space, Hyde Park is just a few houses down the street. Shannon School is also in Grey Street.

The double garage has an attached workshop and even the compost has a home.

Shannon is an easy commute to Palmerston North, Levin and Foxton, and the Capital Connection train to Wellington leaves from the historic Shannon Railway Station. Known for its boutique shopping, Shannon has been dubbed Shan Francisco by local entrepreneur Suzie Johnson. Is it time to build your own Golden Gate - or even Grey-Bridge?