There is a lot of property for sale right now, but which listing suits you best? OneRoof’s Buyers' Club series brings you the best in New Zealand real estate, from affordable starter homes to luxury mansions. We’ll highlight a range of homes from around the country that are worth your attention.
The late Sir Ian Athfield, or “Ath” as he’s affectionately known, reshaped New Zealand homes over his five-decade career. He designed some of the country’s most recognisable homes and commercial, public and institutional buildings until his passing in 2015.
His distinctive, unconventional and playful style resonates with so many, thanks to its village-like design, his laser focus on how people actually live in their homes, and bold juxtaposition of form and materials.
We’ve rounded up four homes for sale at the moment that were all designed by the man himself. Fortunately, you don’t always need to spend the big bucks to own an Athfield (although most of the time you do!).
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3 Maramanui Way, Karaka Bay, Wellington | Price by negotiation
This Athfield original was crafted in the late 1960s and then architecturally reimagined in more recent times to create a contemporary masterpiece nestled into the hillside above Karaka Bay.
The residence captures incredible views of Wellington Harbour and the Orongorongo Mountains, with unmistakable Athfield touches utilised throughout - signature curved rooflines, sculpted plaster textures and moody American walnut finishes. Offering four bedrooms, three bathrooms and plenty of spaces to relax, rest and entertain, the inside flows to the outdoor living, where the 20m lap pool is suspended above the landscape.
Athfield's dramatic design at 3 Maramanui Way, in Karaka Bays, Wellington, has been luxuriously reworked. Photo / Supplied
New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty listing agent Steve Rodwell says this is a one-off and a much-admired local landmark.
“It’s an Athfield with a modern twist. I’ve driven past that place a million times before I listed it. When you’re down at the wharf on Karaka Bay Road looking up to the top it’s certainly something that catches the eye – it’s stunning,” he says.
“We’ve had a lot of interest from overseas, and we’re working closely with several people.”
>> Click here to find out more
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58 Read Street, Levin, Horowhenua | Buyer enquiry over $799,000
Here’s an opportunity to own a slice of New Zealand architectural history for well under the million mark, in the town of Levin.
Clive Williams from Property Brokers says Athfield’s design here was way ahead of its time.
“It’s a 1970s home built for today’s living. Homes of that era were not designed like this one - I could live there tomorrow. The builder of this house also went on to become Ian Athfield’s builder of choice.”
58 Read Street, Levin, Horowhenua, is an opportunity to get an Athfield original for less than $1m. Photo / Supplied
The single-level floor plan offers four bedrooms and two bathrooms, with the different ceiling heights in each space designed to be a journey through the home, and to draw the occupants into the social zones and then out to the courtyard.
The beauty of good design here means that the morning sun floods in on one side, then the afternoon on the other. The fourth bedroom was seamlessly added later and presents flexibility for working from home or hobbies.
>> Click here to find out more
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Punatapu, 1113 Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Queenstown | By negotiation
Built in 1980, the sheer beauty and brilliance of Queenstown’s Punatapu house inspired acclaimed local architect Anna-Marie Chin so much that she chose to forgo a career in dentistry for architecture.
Bursting with storybook playfulness, the residence is comprised of four linked accommodation buildings spread over around 825sqm, including seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, two kitchens and three living spaces. An office with a mezzanine can also be utilised as an eighth bedroom.
The yellow castle-like home at 1113 Glenorchy-Queenstown Road has inspired local architects. Photo / Supplied
The property was designed by Athfield in the early 1980s for legendary Queenstown doctor Dr Pat Farry and his wife Sue as their family home. When their children left, they turned it into a luxury retreat complete with its own chefs.
Oscar-winning Kiwi filmmaker Jane Campion was just one of many celebrities, world leaders and politicians who flocked to the luxury Punatapu Estate over the last 20 years, and it’s obvious why. Athfield was determined to surprise and delight at every turn here, with his signature turret and joyful colour palette evident in the final design.
>> Click here to find out more
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25 William Street, Takapuna, Auckland | Price by negotiation
Well known to beach visitors, Takapuna House was designed by Sir Ian Athfield and his son Zac and Nick Strachan, of Athfield Architects, and won the Auckland New Zealand Institute of Architects award when it was completed in 2013.
The award-winning 25 William Street, in Auckland's Takapuna. Photo / Supplied
In his listing, Precision Real Estate agent Andrew Doreen says the residence is “a striking combination of cedar, precast concrete and sliding screens, creating an architectural home that combines industrial permanence with refined coastal living”.
It’s being offered to market for the first time since being built and offers three ensuited bedrooms, spacious living and entertaining zones and dazzling beach views.
>> Click here to find out more
