Carefully imagined and expertly built homes are always evolving, and under the skilled eye of its current owner, interior designer Anna Cuthbert, this mid-century dwelling on an elevated corner site in popular Lucerne Road, in Remuera, constructed for a well-known local plumber in 1958, has been taken to the next level – quite literally – over the past five years or so.
“To be honest, apart from some curved walls, only a very few physical aspects of the original building are still here,” she says, adding that the recent and most major renovation still keeps the property’s original essence intact – complete with a strong art deco flavour – a style that the plumber of 70 years ago obviously admired.
Perhaps the most major part of Anna’s project was the addition of a third storey in the form of a gigantic, cantilevered box, where there is now a huge main bedroom with an opulent fitted dressing room, an elegant bathroom and even a sunny home office.
Occupants enjoy sensational views across the valley from not just one, but two decks, and two further bedrooms up here are similarly well-appointed.
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Next floor down – the main living zone has an impressive kitchen, including a handy scullery, plus dedicated dining and family space and a relaxing formal lounge.
There is also a guest suite with its own bathroom and wraparound decking makes entertaining by the outdoor fire a breeze.
At basement level, lies a self-contained two-bedroom flat, complete with bathroom and kitchen, which is perfect for extended family.
The main living zone has an impressive kitchen, including a handy scullery, plus dedicated dining and family space and a relaxing formal lounge. Photo / Supplied
The 607sqm property has six bedrooms, five bathrooms, multiple living areas and double garaging. Photo / Supplied
The rumpus/media room was useful when Anna’s blended family members were teenagers and the ultimate in luxury: a fitted wine cellar is very impressive.
As a big fan of colour, and conscious of its current popularity overseas, Anna made bold choices, including what came to be her signature shade throughout the house: a deep, rich petrel blue, which even features on the waterfall bench in the kitchen, then dazzles again in the main bathroom – taking the form of bold, vibrant wall tiles.
Looking forward to spending more time on Waiheke Island while retaining her business and a smaller home in Auckland, Anna is philosophical about moving on.
“It’s a very big home and with grown-up children moving away, it simply is more than I need.”
As a big fan of colour, Anna Cuthbert made bold choices, including what came to be her signature shade throughout the house: a deep, rich petrel blue. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent Steve Koerber says the home is a sophisticated contemporary residence, with the clever use of colour and textures a testament to the owner’s design skills. Photo / Supplied
She is justifiably very proud of the stylish changes she’s made to 97 Lucerne Road, sparing no expense to create a practically perfect property, and she hopes that another passionate fan of mid-century design will come along and pick up the baton.
Steve Koerber, of Bayleys, markets a wide variety of homes in and around Remuera.
He says that this one stands out particularly as a very sophisticated contemporary residence, noting that the owner’s clever use of colour and textures are a testament to her design skills.
“Orakei Basin is just a short stroll away and the property is zoned for popular Meadowbank School with St Kentigern and Baradene right nearby.”
- 97 Lucerne Road in Remuera, Auckland, goes to auction on March 18
