This zen-like residence, originally designed by an architect as his family’s home, sits in the heartland of double Grammar-zoned Remuera – not that it feels like that.
Architect Richard Goldie designed this distinctive home nestled into a northern slopes’ hillside, completed around 2008.
One of its current owners says: “It’s got a mid-century feeling as well as a Japanese influence which my husband and I liked, both having spent a lot of time in Japan.
“I was attracted to its beautiful light and its sense of openness, looking out at the lush green of plants. You don’t really feel like you’re in Remuera being on a hill, off a driveway. You’re removed from the bustle, yet I can walk to Remuera Village in around 15minutes. In a way it’s a simplistic home, but very carefully and cleverly put together.”
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It’s essentially two rectangular pavilions linked by a long, 1.2m-wide connecting component, roofed with glass. This, plus the abundant windows and glass doors, makes the interior luminous.
The couple moved to this 513sqm property from another Remuera home nine years ago, when one of their four children headed off to university.
It’s less than five minutes’ drive from Remuera Village and three minutes’ stroll to Portland Reserve. Close to many private schools, it has stellar zoning: Victoria Ave School, Remuera Intermediate, Auckland Grammar School and Epsom Girls Grammar.
A gentle driveway off Leys Crescent leads to the home, fronted by beautiful layered planting which is part of their revised landscaping. The front pavilion has two levels, the lower housing the internal-access double garage. The home is clad in stained cedar with copper flashings.
“We stained the exterior a little darker with Resene’s Treehouse, which was ironic given I describe it my treehouse.”
“I was attracted to its beautiful light and its sense of openness, looking out at the lush green of plants,” says one of the owners. Photo / Supplied
The lush 513sqm property, in double Grammar zone, has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple living areas and a double garage. Photo / Supplied
Steps up to the front door, which replaced others following a less direct route, are flanked with Japanese maples. They installed a gentle water feature alongside the porch prefacing the front door. Pause here to appreciate the Japanese version of a drainpipe, a chunky chain directing water down into a substantial vessel.
The kitchen-dining-living is a soulful and light-filled expanse, balancing views across the valley with others out to greenery. Large windows, white walls, timber ceiling beams, a white kitchen and a combination of polished concrete and carpet flooring work in unity.
They added a front deck off the dining area and timber balustrading, reminiscent of mid-century designs, abutting the stairs leading upwards. A powder room and laundry opening to the back deck complete this level.
Upstairs, four bedrooms (one currently used as an office) flank a family room. Most of these admire and flow out to a private north-west facing level lawn and patio edged with lush planting.
The kitchen-dining-living is a soulful and light-filled expanse, balancing views across the valley with others out to greenery, and the timber balustrading is reminiscent of mid-century design. Photo / Supplied
Architect Richard Goldie designed this distinctive home as his family home. Photo / Supplied
The couple didn’t feel their bedroom “had that master feel”. They removed wardrobing, creating space, and had in-law Morgan Cronin (renowned designer of kitchens and more) design a masterful dressing room incorporating a beauty area.
This feeds off their bedroom in the rear pavilion, sitting at one end of the lawn in a box designed in keeping with the home. Upstairs’ bathroom and ensuite are located in the glass-topped element linking the pavilions.
“You can see the sky in both of them and also above the stairs.”
Outdoor stairs access a versatile third outdoor level, currently devoted to one owner’s passion for bonsai. They’re empty-nesters now so will downsize.
Agent Steve Koerber says: “This is not your standard Remuera home but a light-filled, zen-like sanctuary set within the greenery of beautiful landscaping and significantly improved by its current owners.”
- 16 Leys Crescent in Remuera, Auckland, is for sale by a set date closing March 17
