A PLACE TO TREASURE

Whether you want a home for the extended family or a ‘party central’ location, this gem ticks all the boxes, writes LOUISE RICHARDSON

Awatea, a well-known landmark, is one of Remuera’s finest homes. Designed in the 1920s, it’s undoubtedly one of celebrated New Zealand architect Roy Binney’s finest works. He had studied under legendary Edward Lutyens, who had a love of tall ceilings, large windows and general classic grandeur and this comes through in Binney’s design.

The current owner, Barrie, bought it in 1986, from his father-in-law, who had purchased it in 1961.

“My wife Nicola jokingly said that because it was her own family home, she’d leave me if I didn’t buy it,” he remembers.

Although the house was already large — at around 300sq m, there was a master bedroom, another bedroom and maids’ quarters but nothing suitable for children, says Barrie, who still has Binney’s precious 1920s designs, which were handdrawn on fine silk paper.

He and Nicola had a small daughter and son at the time and decided to turn it into their own dream home — doubling the floor space.

“It took a while, because it’s a designated heritage home so the architect had to design the extension in empathy with the original dwelling and the plans had to be specially consented.”

Today, the 639sq m house, which is set over three levels on a huge, protected, 2254sq m beautifully landscaped site, has quite possibly one of the largest living areas in Auckland, with an entertainment room, kitchen, casual and formal dining, plus a family room, games room and office on the ground floor, along with a kitchenette, bedroom and ensuite, adjacent to a single garage with a triple carport in front of it.

Barrie says that all the living spaces have been used a lot.

“We’ve always been great entertainers and we loved

“When our son was at university, this house became ‘party central’ for him and his friends.”

having intimate dinner parties with 10 or so guests, or large gatherings of over 100 people.

“When our son was at university, this house became ‘party central’ for him and his friends. The lower level, with three bedrooms, was handy during that time.”

Barrie is Welsh, so red’s been a popular colour for interior rooms — including the

spectacular entertainment room and the massive drawing room.

Various terraces and patios on the ground floor are ideal for al fresco entertaining, and they enjoy fabulous views to Rangitoto and Sky Tower.

The master bedroom is on the first floor with a huge walk-in wardrobe, and its own bathroom next door. There’s also another bedroom and the

main bathroom, plus a large lounge. The time has come for these loving owners to pass the baton. “I’m here on my own a lot, rattling around, really, and we need a new family to come and fill the place with laughter and fun,” Barrie says.

Ryan Dixon from Ray White, Remuera, says that the extension blends very well with the original house.

“It’s a fantastic property and the new owners will find plenty of scope to add their own touches. It would work very well for a multi-generational extended family too and opportunities to purchase something this special are rare.” Set date of sale: December 17 Contact: Ryan Dixon, Ray White, 027 632 3285; Alex Smith, 027 772 5552