Artist Hélène Bizouerne and her retail leader husband, Nick Grayston, had lived in a series of modern homes overseas, and renovating a historic villa in Auckland wasn’t at the top of their to-do list – until they first saw 81 Arney Road.
The couple immediately fell for its abundance of character, huge 1280sqm site, and what Hélène describes as an “incredible sense of space”.
Hélène and Nick had moved to New Zealand from Chicago in 2016 with their son and two daughters, and were looking for a family home that offered privacy, as well as a great outdoor space, and personal space for each of their children.
“Our first home here was in Takapuna, but we really wanted to be on the other side of town for the children’s schooling and this property in Remuera felt perfect,” says Nick.
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Built in the 1880s, the elegant house was originally the home of architect Edward Mahoney, who also designed a number of well-known Auckland churches in Parnell, Ponsonby and Khyber Pass, as well as Pah Homestead in Hillsborough.
While many of its attractive original features were still intact, Hélène and Nick could see potential for sophisticated modernisation – without compromising the home’s intrinsic charms.
Having lived in it for several years they assembled an expert team of architects and builders who set to work, with the added challenge of Covid lockdowns.
The resulting residence represents luxury on a large scale, with extensive living areas, upstairs and down.
The 1880s home has five bedrooms, four bathrooms and garaging for four vehicles. Photo / Supplied
The homeowners assembled an expert team of architects and builders to renovate the home. Photo / Supplied
A former internal garage became Hélène’s studio, while a new four-car garage is attached to the house, with an outdoor room above, complete with a fireplace and a bar, for entertaining.
Three of the five bedrooms enjoy ensuites, and the overall layout of the house lends itself to use in various other configurations in order to provide accommodation for guests or extended family. The kitchen is large, bright and airy, and a separate laundry offers convenience.
Meanwhile, Nick is especially proud of his much-loved wine cellar.
“What we really appreciated about this house was the upstairs-downstairs aspect as our children reached their teens and needed their own space,” says Hélène.
In addition to the louvred outdoor room, a number of other resort-style outdoor spaces include decks and balconies – plus a pool cabana, lovingly built by Nick himself, and the newly landscaped garden is already blooming beautifully.
In addition to the louvred outdoor room, the property has a number of other resort-style outdoor spaces including decks, balconies and swimming pool. Photo / Supplied
The kitchen is large, bright and airy, and a separate laundry offers convenience. Photo / Supplied
Hélène and Nick are currently living in her native France, and say they retain many happy memories of Arney Road. “Those were important years in the children’s lives – and ours – so, in many ways, we’re all very sad to be finishing this particular chapter.”
Margaret Bao and Natalie Newton, from New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, think this is a property that will essentially sell itself as every single thing about it is so utterly fabulous. They feel the home appeals equally to both local and international buyers who immediately love its sense of history, and appreciate Hélène and Nick’s thoughtful creativity throughout.
81 Arney Road in Remuera, Auckland, is on the market for sale by deadline private treaty, closing June 4.
- Sponsored by New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty
