- Roger Walker’s “milk bottle” house in Silverstream sold to an architect for just over $950,000.
- The house, designed in 1976, features exposed brick walls, round windows and a spiral staircase.
- Bailey-Rotman noted the home’s original condition and its appeal to architecture enthusiasts.
New Zealand’s “milk bottle” house, designed by iconic Wellington architect Roger Walker, has been snapped up by one of his fans.
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Just Paterson agent Jules Bailey-Rotman told OneRoof architectural students and architects had visited the unusual-looking house, which Walker created half a century ago.
Although nearly 60 groups went through the four-bedroom property on Chatsworth Road, in Upper Hutt’s Silverstream, only one buyer made an offer.
“A lot of people interested in architecture were very impressed and loved it, but not to live in,” he said, adding that the house was sold for just above its $950,000 price guide to an architect and his family, “which is fantastic”.
The quirky but stylish house bears all the hallmarks of Roger Walker’s joyous style. Photo / Supplied
The listing agent has highlighted the spacious living quarters it offers. Photo / Supplied
A 70s gem without the 70s headaches: the decor is original but subdued. Photo / Supplied
The new owner loved that the house was designed by Roger Walker and loved the setting. His family “hadn’t really considered Silverstream. It was the house that drew them, and the fact that it had been so well looked after as well, because it’s in incredible condition. They wanted something architectural.”
Walker was a contemporary of the late Sir Ian Athfield and championed joy in the built environment, once telling the Institute of Architects: “There should be a real, visceral pleasure in looking at buildings. Architecture shouldn’t bring just comfort, but actual joy.”
In a OneRoof report last month, when the house was on the market, Bailey-Rotman said the house reminded him of a fairytale castle.
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The home was commissioned by the vendors, an artist and a doctor, in 1976, and Bailey-Rotman said that’s the decade it had stayed true to for 50 years.
The house features exposed brick walls and large, round windows. Inside the tall central “milk bottle” tower is a spiral staircase, which goes to the main living level, then up to the master bedroom and up again to a study.
“It’s quite rare to have it original because most have been messed around a bit over the years, but this one hasn’t,” Bailey-Rotman said.
“It’s like you’re in a castle. There are various areas. Roger Walker is renowned for round windows as well, and there are some pretty amazing little nooks and crannies, but it also has quite good living spaces. They flow a bit better than a lot of the other ones do.”
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