The style of this magnificent Japanese-inspired executive home was in complete contrast with the current owners’ very traditional English dwelling in Sussex, on the United Kingdom’s south-east coast.
“We both loved New Zealand and wanted a place here we could use for two months each summer and rent out for the rest of the time. We were stunned to find that we could actually afford a property as amazing as this one!” Andrew says.
Sally adds that although it’s enormous – more than 500sqm, on a 1184sqm site – with stunning harbour views to the north and west, an enveloping Japanese aesthetic keeps it tranquil and relaxing.
Designed by architect Gerrad Hall, with landscaping by Alan Polkinghorne, for previous owners who had a strong affection for Japanese interior style, 51 Pacific Parade in Army Bay, Rodney, earned a New Zealand Institute of Architects award, and has featured over eight pages, complete with stunning photographs, in a glossy home and garden magazine.
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It has a 2021 RV of $3.575 million and is on the market for sale for $3.295m. According to OneRoof data, the property last changed hands in 2013 for $2.075m.
“This is the grandest house in Army Bay – just a stone’s throw from fantastic beaches, and situated one back from the clifftop, which is obviously a big plus following recent weather events,” says Roger Sumich of Bayleys, Orewa, who is marketing this property with Leanne Wallace.
“You couldn’t even begin to build such a sumptuous home for the figure my vendors are looking for, so it represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an astute buyer who is prepared to do a little bit of updating, in order to unlock the property’s full potential.
“This is a lovely, friendly community with excellent schools, and Auckland CBD is just 40 minutes’ drive.”
The home was designed by architect Gerrad Hall, with landscaping by Alan Polkinghorne, for previous owners who had a strong affection for Japanese interior style. Photo / Supplied
The home has a very strong emphasis on bright, open, living spaces – and extensive decking complements those areas perfectly – enabling seamless flow from inside the house, through to the luxury pool, and garden, with its maple and cherry trees, bonsai, and bamboo.
The kitchen is centrally located with quality appliances and more than enough handsome granite bench space on which to prepare food and beverages for a large crowd.
Adjacent is a generous media room, an office, plus a bedroom and bathroom, dedicated storage and a home gym, along with a double garage and separate laundry.
Time and again, the Japanese influence comes through; a colour palette inspired by the shades and textures of nature and simple pared-back detailing overall.
Quirky touches include the broken-level ceiling in the media room, which references sushi bento boxes.
There is seamless flow from inside the house through to the luxury pool and garden, with its maple and cherry trees, bonsai, and bamboo. Photo / Supplied
51 Pacific Parade in Army Bay has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a double garage, and is an easy bike ride to Gulf Harbour Village. Photo / Supplied
Meanwhile, intricately constructed concrete folds under the kitchen bench are origami-inspired and impressive oak sliding doors have rice-paper screens within their frames.
On the next level lie a further four bedrooms with zen-like qualities. Not surprisingly, the principal suite is spectacular. It has a private balcony from which to enjoy the ocean vistas and features an Asian-style bathroom with sunken bath plus an enviable walk-in wardrobe.
The current owners are enjoying a last stay at their special home-away-from-home, whilst preparing to sell it. They love the fact that it’s an easy bike ride to Gulf Harbour Village and further on is Manly, with its cafes and restaurants.
Annual visits to New Zealand are still on the cards, but they plan to rent locally in future.
- Sponsored by Bayleys
