With its strong architectural form, distinctive louvred detailing and elegant topiary, 24 Kenny Road is one of the northern slopes’ most recognisable and admired homes.
The original 1920s bungalow was entirely reimagined and reinvented in 2012 by architect David Ponting, of Ponting Fitzgerald, and it was the striking street frontage that caught the eyes of the current owners.
“We used to drive past the home and always admired it,” one of them shares. “The facade really stands out and it’s such an iconic house, with the architecture, the symmetry and manicured gardens.”
Since owning it they have even further enhanced the level of contemporary luxury throughout, as well as seriously upped the ante on the technological features.
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As well as a masterclass in design, it’s the ultimate family box ticker, incorporating a north-facing, private back garden and inground pool all on one level, as well as a movie room, temperature-controlled wine cellar and oversized internal garaging with room for all the toys downstairs.
“There’s a real sense of arrival when you walk in,” the owner says. “The hallway is really wide, it’s got a soaring stud height and that immediately creates this sense of space – it’s like being in a gallery.”
Four large, light-filled bedrooms and the office are located off the hallway. Three bedrooms are serviced by the main bathroom, while the master enjoys a spacious walk-in wardrobe and ensuite.
“As you walk through it draws you into the open-plan living, kitchen and dining, which has been the centrepiece and heart of our home.”
This expansive area flows straight out to the terrace, flat lawns and inground pool complex, which is enveloped with mature Italian cypress and Japanese maple trees. This indoor-outdoor connection has been a joy for family life.
The distinctive louvred detailing and elegant topiary create a striking street frontage, lending it iconic status. Photo / Supplied
The open-plan living, kitchen and dining at the rear is the centrepiece and heart of the home. Photo / Supplied
“It’s quite unique how you’ve got everything on one level – that was a really difficult thing for us to find. The bifold doors completely slide back and you’ve just got this incredible space, it’s a gorgeous place to be. It’s very, very private and great for entertaining.
“We upgraded the heated pool – it can go from 15 degrees to 30 in about four or five hours.”
He says the two-level home is very spacious, versatile and well laid out. “It’s over 400 square metres so there’s heaps of separation for everyone to have their own space and it’s been ideal for raising our family.”
As part of their enhancements, they upgraded the air conditioning, security system and installed a full home automation system. “Everything runs through your phone. You can say, ‘hey Siri, turn on the irrigation’ and the kids can have a sprinkler party out on the lawn.”
They also redid the laundry downstairs, which is in addition to the one in the kitchen scullery upstairs. “The heavy-duty laundry downstairs has a massive washer and dryer so when you come back from your holiday you can do most of your stuff in a couple of loads.
“We have also added the Blue Cloud totara tree at the front – I got really into topiary and it’s quite cool because it almost feels like a piece of sculpture.”
The two-level, 400sqm-plus residence sits on 860sqm of land with incredible landscaping, heated swimming pool, Japanese maple trees and tall Italian cypress that ensure privacy. Photo / Supplied
Downstairs is the temperature-controlled wine cellar, oversized internal garaging and heavy-duty laundry. Photo / Supplied
The 860sqm freehold site is positioned on the rise of Kenny Road, close to the Orakei Basin, Benson Road shops and train station.
“The location has been special too. Kenny Road’s got a real sense of community and there’s a street party every year. It’s quite friendly and everyone is really lovely. We’ve never had that connection with the community, so we’ll really miss that.
“It’s been an amazing family home and it’s time for something new for us, so hopefully the next family will enjoy it as much as we have.”
Andrew Wallace, from Bayleys, is selling the property with colleagues Gary and Vicki and says there’s really nothing like it on the market at the moment.
“It’s a bit of an icon, everyone knows it and it’s going to stand out in the crowd. Everything’s been done on a large scale and the landscaping is incredible, it’s an oasis in the city. It’s the ultimate family home and is what people are looking for, it ticks every box.”
- 24 Kenny Road in Remuera, Auckland, goes to auction on May 6
