- A 1970s house on Auckland’s North Shore, featured in TV shows, sold for mid-$2 million.
- The six-bedroom home, decorated in bold 1970s style, attracted multiple offers but was bought for refurbishment.
- Another architectural gem by Neville Price sold for nearly $1.9 million, highlighting its organic design and park-like setting.
A couple of nostalgic throwbacks to the 1960s and 1970s have sold recently on Auckland’s North Shore.
Start your property search
One of them - a 1970s house that's made star appearances in hit TV shows and ads - was snapped by a couple with plans to refurbish it, says Barfoot & Thompson listing agent Nadja Court.
The sale left others disappointed: “We had three other offers. All those people absolutely loved the house and wanted to keep it as it is, but one could not sell her home in time, and another couple, we couldn't quite get an agreement on price.”
Court said the property fetched mid-$2ms. She did not know the extent of refurbishments planned by the new owners, but said the property had garnered a lot of interest because of its love affair with the 1970s.
The Park Rise property made an appearance in the hit crime show Underbelly NZ: Land of the Long Green Cloud. Photo / Supplied
The house and its groovy vibe were a hit. Photo / Supplied
OneRoof reported in August that the house had served as a backdrop for various TV shows, including Underbelly NZ: Land of the Long Green Cloud, which told the story of the infamous Mr Asia drug syndicate from the 1970s. It also featured in the Crack a Woody (Woodstock Bourbon) ads.
“With the Underbelly stuff, they borrowed a lot of [the owner’s] surfboards and paddled out for their marijuana deals in the harbour.”
The six-bedroom house belonged to Tim and Cheryl Stratford, who ran Servilles hair salon in Takapuna for many years. They bought the property in 2000 for $510,000, and had decided to sell now to be closer to their grandchildren up north.
Discover more:
- Christian couple’s life-size ark finally sells after getting $1.5m price tag
- Check out the urinals! The $3m home with the ultimate dinner party conversation starter
- Disgraced dentist's Auckland home sells for $880,000 at mortgagee auction
They decorated the house true to the 1970s with bold colours, psychedelic patterns, and scores of surfboards.
Court said at the time that some houses were “boring as bats***” but not this one.
The home was originally built for someone from JBL, a company that found itself in financial trouble in the 1970s. “Apparently, there was paparazzi all outside when the owners were kicked out,” Court told OneRoof.
The Park Rise decor was a throwback to the house’s 1970s past. Photo / Supplied
The vendors' surfboard collection looms large. Photo / Supplied
The house was architecturally designed and, in its day, would have been a standout, as it featured multiple ensuite bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes, which were very unusual for 1970, when most families shared a single bathroom.
Court told OneRoof she recently sold another architectural gem for nearly $1.9m.
The Neville Price-designed home on Hilllcrest Avenue saw more than 100 groups in the first week of open homes and multiple people bid for the property at auction, Court said.
Court’s listing said Price was celebrated for his organic architecture and focus on sculptural form and function, and the home exemplified timeless design harmoniously integrated with nature.
A Neville Price-designed home on Hilllcrest Avenue, on Auckland's North Shore, sold for nearly $1.9m. Photo / Supplied
Another Neville Price home is up for grabs at 55 Hillcrest Avenue. Photo / Supplied
“Resting on 1556sqm of freehold land, it combines architectural elegance with serene, park-like surroundings — a private sanctuary in the heart of Auckland.
“Mature trees, lush gardens, and expansive lawns create the ultimate retreat. French doors open from multiple living spaces to your own private oasis — a sun-drenched playground for family, friends, and pets.”
With expansive living areas and soaring ceilings, the home showcased Price’s signature approach of sculptural forms, functional elegance and organic integration with its environment.
Another Neville Price-designed property next door is also on the market, with a $1.55m price tag.
55 Hillcrest Avenue is described by Prestige agents Fleur Davis and Craig Crosweller in the listing as capturing the timeless appeal of mid-century modern design. “Full of charm and individuality, the home features striking architectural lines, generous windows that flood the spaces with natural light, and an easy flow to wonderful outdoor living. Original design elements create a sense of authenticity and style rarely found today.”
- Click here to find more properties for sale in Auckland
