Warwick Simmons says that when he took on his glamorous, castle-like property nestled in a quiet corner of Waimauku in 2020, it was already quite sensational, having been extensively improved by its second owner, a well-known businessman with a liking for luxury.
He had added a further lounge, two new bedrooms and an extra outside studio to the original dwelling, which was built around 1999 – using nothing but the best materials available.
“Our job was mainly outside,” Warwick says. “We opened it all up and allowed the house to breathe.”
The resulting garden is a beautifully structured affair with strong Mediterranean influences – think Tuscany or Provence – and incorporates box hedging, topiary, and well-established trees – serving to enhance the handsome masonry mansion, which sits proudly elevated on an 8.32 ha site, looking out over the surrounding valley.
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Warwick says that his own efforts have included a complete overhaul of the heated swimming pool – replacing every single aspect, so a new owner can simply dive in and enjoy late summer dips.
Inside the house, the scene is reminiscent of a top-end boutique hotel in a European capital with lavish interior design featuring statement materials such as patterned tiles, meticulously laid by skilled craftspeople, and unique hand painted floral wall decorations.
The living spaces are expansive and drenched with sunshine while the kitchen is straight out of a glossy overseas decorating magazine, complete with statement splashbacks, extensive cupboard space and marble benchtops.
In addition to the home itself, there are two studios one of which lies above the triple garage and is the ultimate in Parisian chic.
The living spaces are expansive and drenched with sunshine while the kitchen is straight out of a glossy overseas decorating magazine.
Warwick says he likes the fact that it doesn’t just look good, it’s perfect for entertaining.
Not surprisingly, the three bedrooms upstairs in the main house are also ultra-opulent, as are the bathrooms, which have eye-catching gold accents including mirrors and trims.
The enormous dressing room that forms part of the master suite is especially outstanding with seemingly endless wardrobe space, plus huge solid timber cabinets for shoes and handbags.
In addition to the home itself, there are two studios one of which lies above the triple garage and is the ultimate in Parisian chic.
“I love being able to push a button to open the blinds or use my phone to turn the lights on when I’m driving home,” says Warwick.
“We enjoy sitting outside in the mornings with a cup of coffee and this morning watched a family of quail marching across the lawn.”
The bathrooms are ultra-opulent with eye-catching gold accents including mirrors and trims.
The heated swimming pool has been completely overhauled and the garden is a beautifully structured affair.
Another bonus is the 52sqm utility shed which provides ample space for mowers and other essential implements.
Originally from Coatesville, Warwick never imagined himself living in Waimauku, but he’s really enjoyed the relaxed friendly neighbourhood and easy proximity to Huapai and Kumeu.
He’s sad to be leaving 909 Old North Road, but this self-confessed “projects person” is already looking forward to his next challenge.
Debs Wallace, from Harcourts Takapuna, can vouch for the exceptional quality of the property.
“As you come up the drive you know you’ve been transported to somewhere wonderful, and you’re deliciously enveloped in European style. It’s one of the best properties I’ve marketed in 25 years.”
- 909 Old North Road in Waimauku, Rodney, is for sale by deadline, closing March 14
- Sponsored by Harcourts
