REMUERA ROYALTY
This stylishly renovated Remuera home is ready for new owners to appreciate its location and modern comfort, writes SANDRA GOODWIN
Asurgeon and his wife discovered the stately Remuera residence they purchased to reinvent as an enduring family home already had a special family connection.
Owners Mark and Angela bought here 20 years ago, drawn by the handy double Grammar-zoned location within walking distance to Remuera village and King’s School and near Mark’s work.
Angela says: “But when we were looking at the title we realised it had once been owned by Mark’s great grandmother, whose husband was the first surgeon appointed to Auckland Hospital and who later died in World War I.
“When we saw this property advertised we wondered if it would be noisy being on Orakei Rd, but once we came inside and saw how far back it went we realised road noise wouldn’t be an issue.
“We’ve loved the location, walking distance to Remuera’s villagey atmosphere, handy to great schools, and close to Waita Reserve to walk our labraspoodle Lucas.”
They have renovated both the classic stained cedar home
“The interior used to be that older style with lots of rooms. Opening it up made it so easy to live and entertain in.”
and its 941sq m grounds, landscaped by Craig Steiner to include a heated swimming pool.
The family have retained the exterior charm while gutting and reinventing its interior, adding a lower level and even raising the upper levels’ roof to deliver an impressive stud height. They used architect Belinda George and interior designer Jenny Anderson.
“The interior used to be that older style with lots of rooms. Opening it up made it so easy to live and entertain in.”
The fully fenced address is not far from the Remuera Rd lights. Angela says their three children found it easy to park outside on the street when they lived at home, forgoing driveway parking fronting the double garage.
A pedestrian gate introduces a stylishly planted little front yard.
The circa 503sq m three-level home has served as a showcase for the couple’s passion for art. Timber floors grace the main level where Angela likes to sit with girlfriends enjoying a glass of wine in the front lounge in front of one of the home’s two fireplaces.
The open-plan family-dining room, adjoining a generous Binova Italian designer kitchen with big marble island bench, opens to a rear deck with fireplace, heaters and adjustable Louvretec roof. This overlooks a sizeable rear lawn and the pool, amidst elegant planting.
A laundry, lavatory and study complete this level and the whole house is centrally heated.
Downstairs’ third living area with kitchenette, adored by their children as they grew up, neighbours a bedroom opening outdoors, a bathroom and a big temperature-controlled wine cellar. Upstairs is light-filled, thanks to skylights and the raised roof.
Four bedrooms here include the master with en suite and dressing room, and a bedroom with an en suite/makeup room. A family bathroom and second study complete this floor.
The couple also have a Waiheke property and now their children have left home they’re ready to downsize from this substantial family home.
Unlimited Potential agent Jo Johnstone says: “This is just a wonderful home with ideal spaces for a growing family.
“The fact the current owners have been here for so long speaks for itself.”
Sale: By negotiation
Contact: Jo Johnston, Unlimited Potential, 021 411 107