COOL, CLASSIC AND CUSTOM-MADE
This stylish, modern house fits seamlessly into its surroundings of classic character homes, writes LEIGH BRAMWELL.
Refinement of the home has continued over the years and the owner admits to becoming quite house-proud during the Covid lockdowns.
It would be easy for a modern, executive-style house built amongst the stately homes and character villas of a Remuera street to stand out like a sore thumb, but that’s not the case with 42 Rangitoto Avenue.
This was a conscious choice by the owner-builder, who cleverly combined a 415sqm home planned for a teenage family with a design that echoes the style and quality of the neighbourhood.
Its weatherboard exterior and natural colour palette allow it to pay homage to what was already existing, which is what the owner intended.
The no-exit, tree-lined avenue is the perfect setting for the house, which provides a family sanctuary on a substantial scale.
Built 11 years ago, the owner wanted open-plan living with indoor/outdoor access that would allow breezes to cool the house, and offer the ability to block out the sun when required.
“It’s the ultimate use of space,” he says. “There’s not much room here that’s not used other than the roof.”
Within the 415sqm home on its 918sqm block the accommodation comprises four bedrooms, one study, threeand-a-half bathrooms, and three family spaces with outdoor living access.
The sloping section facilitated the inobtrusive three level design. Above the double garaging on the lowest level is a lounge/recreation room featuring a custom-designed bar and ample space for the pool table.
Teens can lounge here in private with access to a terraced courtyard. There’s also a bedroom and a family bathroom here.
Entry to the top level is via an arresting, double-height atrium entranceway, followed by a broad staircase leading to the living zones.
The open-plan living area features rich timber flooring and the entertainer’s kitchen echoes the warmth with timber cabinetry and elegant black benchtops. Cavity sliders can separate this multi-purpose living space from a second lounge and dining area.
There are three bedrooms on this floor - the master suite with a large, walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite with a double shower, a family bathroom, laundry and study.
Refinement of the home has continued over the years and the owner admits to becoming quite house-proud during the Covid lockdowns.
External awnings, ducted heating and cooling, gas fireplace, a spa pool, security, a wired-in audio system and other features enhance the functionality.
The garden is equally stylish with seamless indoor/outdoor access and paved entertaining areas large enough for entertaining on a large scale. Greenscaping and hard landscaping provide perfect privacy.
Earlier in the development of the property the owner’s wife had informed him that the lawn at the rear of the house “looked like rubbish’, which occasioned a serious lawn renovation in keeping with the house.
It’s now beautifully manicured, mown in stripes and is an immaculate signature of which the owner is justifiably proud.
Sale: Auction, November 23 Contact: Leila MacDonald, Barfoot & Thompson,
021 928 926; David MacDonald,
021 650 901