This article was prepared by Sharalyn Fraser Agency and is being published by OneRoof as advertorial.
Hidden away on an unsuspecting Waikanae street sits an expansive luxury property with so much more than meets the eye.
But to fully appreciate 52-56 Winara Ave, Waikanae, Kapiti Coast, you must first go back in time.
In 1961, prominent architect Bernard Winton Jones was asked to design a residence for Elizabeth G. Archibald. No expense was spared in the construction of what was to become Archibald House. “The lady of the house” imported chandeliers from Venice (one still remains), while silk wallpaper was shipped in from China, although on arrival it was sadly found to have been eaten by silkworms and couldn’t be salvaged.
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Anthony and Julia Briscoe became part of the home’s history in 2018.
“This is one of those properties that, when you walk through the gate, you get this amazing sense of peace and serenity,” says daughter Rebecca. “The home has always revolved around our family. It’s where Mum and Dad’s grandkids learned how to ride their bikes and scooters in the driveway, and learned to swim in the pool. We have spent so much time here, creating some of our most important core memories together. I spend more time here than I do at my own house!”
Over the years, Anthony and Julia have turned this sprawling 4873sq m property into a luxurious, multi-functional family home filled with heart.
“Everything you could touch, they’ve replaced,” says Rebecca. “They didn’t live here for the first three months while the inside was completely redecorated and creature comforts added like double glazing and ducted heating. They wanted to create a home that was modern and comfortable but still spoke to its roots.”
On the main level is a large modern kitchen, a mix of formal and informal dining and living spaces (including a 14-seater dining table that is also available for sale), and four large bedrooms plus an office.
“Dad loves to cook so when he redid the kitchen it had to have a chef’s oven in it. It’s so heavy that the floor had to be reinforced!”
The kitchen and living spaces spill out to a much-loved and constantly used entertaining space, complete with pool, cabana, and outdoor fireplace.
“My favourite spot is the pool deck where you can watch the sun set behind Kāpiti Island. The best view is from the master bedroom; you can lie in bed and see the sea and Kāpiti Island – it’s magic.”
Over the years, the Briscoes have generously shared their home with friends and family.
“I can’t tell you the number of parties and family gatherings we’ve had here. The biggest was Mum’s 60th birthday celebration which almost 100 guests came to. The large kitchen and multiple living spaces, plus the central pool entertainment space has made it so easy to cater for any sort of celebration, large or small.”
Archibald’s original brief included an extra-wide hallway in which she could display her art collection. Fast-forward to 2025 and the hallway is still used to display beautiful things.
“Mum and Dad have collected so many lovely things over the years, so to live in a home that has a space where they can put them on display and recall the memories that come with them every day has been wonderful.”
This property is ideal for large families and intergenerational living. Downstairs, a modern, self-contained one-bedroom studio provides options for extended family or teenagers, while towards the back of the property sits a stand-alone two-bedroom cottage which is also available for sale.
“This property lends itself to a family that’s looking for the kind of lifestyle most people can only dream of,” says agent Sharalyn Fraser who is marketing the property. “The size of the home is unique, but with the self-contained studio downstairs and the option to also purchase the two-bedroom cottage (sold separately), there are so many ways you could live here.
“Inside, the house is just stunning. The Briscoes have done a wonderful job of modifying it and creating space for comfortable, modern living, while retaining its original character feel.
“There’s so much to love here.”
While the Briscoes have adored living here, it’s time to bid farewell to Winara Ave.
“The thought of leaving here is heartbreaking,” admits Rebecca. “But all good things must come to an end as they say, and it’s time for another family to run up and down its halls.”
Click here for more information about 52-56 Winara Ave.