Expat inquiries for grand villa
Lockdown doesn’t appear to be making too much difference to the inquiries one real estate agent is getting for a relocated grand old villa in Dairy Flat, north of Auckland.
Debs Wallace of Harcourts Albany says her listing went up days before lockdown and ever since she has been taking calls, many from overseas expats, and she has also had offers on the property already.
‘‘There has been a lot of interest from overseas,’’ she says. ‘‘I have taken calls (from Kiwis) in Los Angeles, New York and London. One caller said he had absolutely fallen in love with it, and they are all saying as soon as they can liquidate their assets overseas they’ll be coming back. It will be interesting, eventually, to see how many do just that.’’
And what is it about this 1.53ha lifestyle property that is turning heads? It’s a combination of factors, including the character and size of the villa, which was built in 1879 and originally sat on the edge of the Auckland Domain close to the museum – it was relocated to Dairy Flat 17 years ago.
‘‘This house has had the most beautiful and sympathetic renovation,’’ Wallace says.
Oregon House, as the property is now called, features an imposing entry hall, kauri floors, several formal and informal living rooms, library, 6+ bedrooms and five bathrooms, and it still has working fireplaces, although they have all had new flues installed. The extra-large kitchen-family room features a 4m-long island.
There is also a heated outdoor swimming pool.
But it’s location is also a drawcard – the manicured lawns, gardens and waterlily pond. There is also a large 180 square-metre separate shed for hobbies, plus garaging for 8 to 10 cars. Above the shed is a 140 square-metre twobedroom minor dwelling, which could be used for guests or additional income.
Wallace says the owners, whose children are now adults, are moving to a similar property closer to the city. The property has an RV of $3,470,000 and is for sale by negotiation.