Two months into a renovation of what was intended to be a short-term home, the owner of 21 Almorah Road, Epsom, realised she didn’t want to leave.
In the midst of the chaos and disruption that large renovations inevitably produce, the home’s true charm started to reveal itself. Rachel stayed for 25 further years, a savvy move, as the home’s space and location would prove ideal for her family, including three boys.
Collaboration with renowned architect Lawrence Sumich brought the home into the modern era, but with all of its character intact.
21 Almorah Road in Epsom, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on November 22. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom property has 2021 RV of $5.9 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 1998 for $1.15m.
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French doors, panelled walls and ceilings, featured stone and heritage workmanship is evident throughout the expansive space. Over three renovations in total resulted in an accomplished home that has granted Rachel’s family the room to move, live and entertain.
“Our brief to Lawrence and intention for the home was to make it a family home for a life we knew we would be living,” explains Rachel.
At the heart of the home is a streamlined entertainer’s kitchen incorporating marble benchtops and premium appliances. Photo / Supplied
The brief to architect Lawrence Sumich was to make it a family home so rooms were repurposed, made larger, and added, a large pool was installed and a garden studio added. Photo / Supplied
The brief was fulfilled, and more, catering to the family’s full lifestyle. Rooms were repurposed, made larger, and added. A large pool was installed, a garden studio added, and the grounds were the recipient of extensive landscaping – designed by Tony Murrell – creating a private and verdant retreat.
“My three boys were all at Auckland Grammar which is essentially over the road. They always had friends over and at times it felt like a staging post with the amount of people in the house, but I loved it,” tells Rachel.
Certainly, one of the many remarkable aspects of the home is its capacity for people and entertaining, which Rachel cites as a favourite feature of her home.
At its heart, a streamlined entertainer’s kitchen incorporates marble benchtops and premium appliances. The extended space – including living and dining areas – is enveloped by French doors and features a bold marble and brick fireplace.
French doors envelop the living and dining areas which features a bold marble and brick fireplace. Photo / Supplied
The 1816sqm grounds were the recipient of extensive landscaping – designed by Tony Murrell – creating a private and verdant retreat. Photo / Supplied
Further living and dining rooms are on the same floor, and are equally elegant and equally functional. The master bedroom has everything you’d expect from a home of this pedigree. An ensuite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and an adjacent nursery/sitting room elevates the primary room to a retreat in itself, separated from the bedrooms on the second floor.
Ideal for children, teens and guests, the remaining three bedrooms are supplemented by a large family bathroom, study and living area.
Bayleys agent Vicki Wallace is marketing the property with Gary and Sam Wallace.
She adds, “Homes with this amount of character and soul are rare. The architectural details and cleverly designed landscaping create a privacy and calmness that’s akin to a sanctuary – a wonderful backdrop for the next family to create their own special memories.”
- 21 Almorah Road in Epsom, Auckland, goes to auction on November 22
