FIVE-STAR LIVING IN HERNE BAY

This luxuriously refurbished, multi-million dollar property on the Herne Bay waterfront is expected to set a new record sale price for the suburb, writes CATHERINE SMITH.

73 Argyle Street

The last time a property of nearly 3000sqm sold on the Herne Bay waterfront, it set the record price for the bluechip suburb of $27.5 million three years ago.

Ollie Wall, of Graham Wall Real Estate, expects this completely refurbished house and grounds at 73 Argyle Street will beat that record.

“This is a new house now, completely gutted and refurbished, with all new landscaping. It is one of only four properties of this scale on the Herne Bay waterfront, and is the only one with access to the sandy beach,” Wall says.

Two years ago the family who bought the 1990s Alan Paul-designed shingle house on just under 2800sqm commissioned designers from Space Studio – known for their high-end restaurants, hotels and spas such as the So at Sofitel and Gibbston Valley Lodge – to completely re-work the floor plan to luxury modern standards.

“That meant things that people didn’t even think of in the ‘90s – a scullery the size of a city apartment, huge walk-in wardrobe and luxury spa bathroom in the master suite so you can lie in the bath and watch the sunsets, guest accommodation with its own entrance and the best modern lighting.

“Of course, there’s all new electronics and security you can operate from your iPhone all around the world.

“It was at least a $5m build, and the attention to detail is incredible – the brass touches, the matt stone, the timber. And tons and tons of cabinetry and storage.

“The brief was an entertainer’s family home with the feel of a five-star hotel. It's opulent but balanced with black marble benches, oak floors and aged brass detailing.”

Wall says that the furniture and fixtures were customdesigned for the remodel and already overseas buyers are asking to include the furniture in the buy.

“It’s nearly impossible to find a house of this scale absolutely finished and completed. You could walk in and not touch a thing. The vendors [are] willing to sell the home as a completed ‘turn key’ package,” he says, adding that other huge properties that have set Herne Bay price records had all needed considerable new building and refurbishment.

A key part of the re-build was a complete remodelling of the gardens, overseen by sought-after landscape designer Suzanne Turley, to make the most of the huge, formerly treecovered site.

“There’s not one inch of the nearly 3000 metres that isn’t usable space now,” says Wall.

Turley’s programme included relocating the driveway to make room for a full-size black astro-turf tennis court on the street-side of the property – the owner is a keen tennis player and didn’t want to compromise with a typically smaller residential court. A modern pavillion houses an entertainment space, courtyard and a gym.

The back of the house was completely reworked to add an infinity swimming pool that cantilevers over the pohutukawa trees and steps to the beach. It even includes a paddling pool for the owners’ young children and pool house with TV screen for outdoor movie nights. A putting green has views over the sea.

“I love the original stately feel of the exterior shingle and masonry paired with an ultralux, modern finish,” says Wall.

“It’s something I’ve never seen executed to perfection like this before.”

Sale: Price by negotiation Contact: Ollie Wall, Graham Wall Real Estate, 021 520 514; Graham Wall 021 951 368