This landmark Devonport estate is not just one of the suburb’s most significant and impressive waterfront landholdings, it’s a celebration of historical grandeur, architectural ingenuity and family connection.
The current owner and her late husband purchased the 1965sqm property around 25 years ago, with the vision to create a place to live, relax and entertain. They also welcomed the opportunity to restore the residence to its former glory – an extraordinary showpiece of the American Arts and Crafts style.
“It had been a character home on the Point, with an illustrious history featuring various local personalities. It had been originally built by an Auckland city trader in 1910 – they built that as their holiday home,” the owner shares.
“We loved it from day one, it had great bones. We lived in it for about five years while in discussions with local architect Geoff Richards. With Geoff’s guidance, my primary focus was restoring the home’s original architectural integrity and identity, which had been altered and ‘villarised’ over time.”
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The project took around four years and has resulted in a beautifully liveable balance of yesterday and today, with magnificent harbour views. Four bedrooms, five bathrooms and a blend of formal and informal living areas are spread over three levels, each connected via a lift.
Having such a dedicated team at the helm helped transform the 871sqm home into what it is today.
“The builders were Chris Hay Construction under the project management of James Hunter, and we almost had the same team from day one to day end. It was a true labour of love, with the architect, interior designer, ourselves, the builders and the painter all bringing genuine passion to the project.
“The gardens were planned to suit the coastal environment, offering year-round interest within a thoughtfully designed landscape.”
While the exterior is a historical homage, the home functions with classic contemporary elegance and efficiency.
The 872sqm home sits on a 1965sqm section and has four bedrooms, multiple living areas, five bathrooms and garaging for four vehicles. Photo / Supplied
The character home was originally built by an Auckland city trader in 1910, and the current owners bought the property 25 years ago. Photo / Supplied
“With help of Hilary Skinner Interior Designer, we were able to achieve a modern twist to the traditional, but we’ve done it in the arts and crafts theme, which gives a really nice blend of modern living but in a very classic way.”
Generously appointed bedrooms are located on the upper level, including the master retreat that boasts its own sitting room. The owner calls the home’s lower level the pièce de resistance.
“In Devonport, a lot of the homes have garages separate to the house, so in modernising number 21, we wanted to bring modern aspects of living in. This includes the big garage, fourth bedroom or office, gym and games room with pool table downstairs.
“To complete the home’s entertainment offering, we added a home theatre, a space inspired by my husband’s love of sport. Whenever a test match was on, our friends would be quick to ring and reserve their seats.”
Exquisitely landscaped gardens frame the property, with manicured lawns sweeping down to Stanley Bay beach at the rear. Photo / Supplied
Exquisitely landscaped gardens frame the property, with a north-facing pool and spa terrace at the front, and a putting green with manicured lawns sweeping down to Stanley Bay beach at the rear.
She emphasises this is not a clifftop section. “It’s a terraced section that runs down to the water, so there is no danger of it being swept off the cliff.”
Another reason they have cherished this property so much is the very special neighbourhood, tucked toward the end of the peninsula.
“The community is fabulous, with mixed ages and wonderful spirit that particularly reinvented itself during Covid. This house needs a family. There are so many local schools and it really is a community, not a suburb. A family would thrive in this environment – we did.”
The owners renovated the home, a project which took around four years to complete, into a beautifully liveable balance of yesterday and today, with magnificent harbour views. Photo / Supplied
Pene Milne, from NZ Sotheby’s International Realty, says: “This is an opportunity to carry forward a remarkable legacy in one of Auckland’s most tightly held coastal communities.” Photo / Supplied
Pene Milne, from NZ Sotheby’s International Realty, is marketing the property and says properties of this calibre are extraordinarily rare.
“They are not simply bought, they are stewarded. This is one of Devonport’s most significant waterfront landholdings, where architectural integrity, scale, and direct connection to the harbour come together in a way that simply cannot be replicated today.
“Restored with deep respect for its past and designed for modern family life at its very best, it also suits executive living, combining the charm of Devonport’s village and community with efficient ferry access to the city and New Zealand’s leading dining and cultural life.
“This is an opportunity to carry forward a remarkable legacy in one of Auckland’s most tightly held coastal communities.”
21 Stanley Point Road in Devonport, North Shore, Auckland, is on the market for sale, international tender closes on February 26.
- Sponsored by New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty
