AMAZING GRACE
Surprises abound in this Remuera property, writes SANDRA GOODWIN
8 Poto St 5-6 3 3+
An architect-engineer duo designed this home delivering a trio of surprises with its extraordinary unexpected views, spaciousness and elevated living-level swimming pool.
One of its current owners says: “It really is quite deceptive from the road. We saw it being finished off around 1997 and used to pass it regularly doing the school run when we were renting nearby. But it wasn’t until it was for sale in 2003 that we looked through it and were absolutely blown away.
“We saw it around 2 o’clock and bought it that evening. Most people are astounded by the views, which are spectacular. We look around the cityscape and across the sea all the way to Takapuna.
“Then they see the amount of space we have too and are amazed.”
Poto St is a fairly quiet little street and the home’s elevation behind secure gates enhances privacy and guards its multiple surprises from those passing its
809sq m grounds. The current owners’ now-grown children were 14 and 10 years old when they bought here 18 years ago. The home is within school zones for Remuera School, Remuera Intermediate and double grammar.
An internal-access triple garage is bolstered by off-street parking.
The current owners feel the
430sq m home’s many wellthought-out details bear testament to the fact that an architect-engineer combo designed it as their own home.
Timber accents include exterior screens, garage doors and those around the big timber double doors opening into a soaring, light-filled doubleheight atrium with broad staircase.
The owner says: “Our favourite place would be the kitchen-dining-family room and living room flowing out to the big deck and the swimming pool, which our children absolutely loved. The outdoor loggia area is more or less covered, so you’re not getting the full brunt of the sun and yet there’s sun on the pool.”
This flowing open-plan indoor-outdoor area suits entertaining brilliantly. The loggia roof alongside the elevated living-level pool is elegantly sarked in timber and cavity sliders can open the separate living to the kitchendining-family room. The latter has wooden floors, two ovens and stone benches.
The north-facing home has ducted air-conditioning and a current building report available. Also on this level are a large office or sixth bedroom, an ideal guest set-up with an ensuited bedroom with walkin-wardrobe, a separate powder room, laundry and under-stair storage symptomatic of massive storage throughout.
Upstairs includes a second big living area offering separation for the younger generation.
The master suite with en suite and walk-in wardrobehas views of the cityscape and harbour. There are three more bedrooms and the family bathroom.
The owner says: “It’s such a light, airy and truly spacious home; the rooms are big and the staircase is wide.”
They’ve enjoyed this location — finding it easy to walk to Benson Rd shops, Remuera village, O¯ ra¯ kei Basin and its village and even into the city — but will downsize.
Ray White agent Ryan Dixon says: “As well as being very spacious this double-grammar zoned home with multiple living areas and a beautiful pool on a good-sized site enjoys incredible views from its extremely desirable location.” Auction: March 17
Contact: Ryan Dixon, Ray White, 027 632 3285; Alex Smith 027 772 555
The outdoor loggia area is more or less covered, so you’re not getting the full brunt of the sun and yet there’s sun on the pool.