With remarkable outdoor spaces on either side of this standout family home, 52 Bassett Road in Remuera is the epitome of liveable luxury.
To the rear, the heated pool, spa and entertaining area is a hub for family fun, while the front garden offers a calm and leafy escape – perfect for play, picnics and dining alfresco. It’s been the ideal and much-loved family home for current vendors whose children have now flown the nest.
“We’ve had a wonderful time living here as a family,” says the homeowner. “It’s time for us to live somewhere smaller and we hope that whoever buys it will enjoy it as much as we have.”
Taking a tour of this five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom, two-storey home offers many surprise and delight moments, such as the library – with inbuilt bookshelves and ladder – accessed through “a secret door” from the family room.
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“Most people get a fright when they realise there is another room through there. When the kids were little it was really fun. They’d bring their friends round and they call it a secret room. It’s a lovely private space where you can sit and read.”
The sunroom at the front of the house is a cosy place to relax with a coffee, particularly in the winter. “When the kids were little it was a well-used room for playing games and doing puzzles.” The sunroom looks out over the front garden.
The library – with inbuilt bookshelves and ladder – is accessed through “a secret door” from the family room. Photo / Supplied
The front garden offers a calm and leafy escape – perfect for play, picnics and dining alfresco. Photo / Supplied
“In winter when the maple loses its leaves you’re looking straight over to Devonport. In summer, its leafy green and provides lovely cool shade.”
The original part of the house was built in 1910 and over the years has been thoughtfully extended and modernised. The northwest-facing sunny kitchen flows out to the pool area and has a butler’s pantry, separate laundry, toilet.
The adjoining pool room has an additional toilet, shower and sauna, plus ample storage for sports and pool gear, and provides a convenient transition space so no one needs to trail water through the house.
“It’s a beautiful family home and also to entertain in, especially around the pool area. In summer it can get hot out there so we often eat dinner in the front porch area where it’s nice and cool and tranquil. The spaces work really well together and it lends itself really well to any kind of entertaining.”
Bayleys agent Jo Johnstone says: “It’s such a unique home with multiple living spaces for all the family, and it’s located in one of Remuera’s best roads.” Photo / Supplied
The family, who have owned the home since 2010, refurbished the swimming pool and retiled the surrounding area in 2017. Over time they’ve also given the home’s interior a refresh, painting it in a neutral colour to best display artwork.
One structural change they’ve made was creating a family bathroom by knocking down a wall between two ensuites. Upstairs the master bedroom with ensuite, three bedrooms (one of which they are currently using as a study) and family bathroom are separated from a large guest suite – well suited to intergenerational living or an au pair.
“As the grandparents don’t live in Auckland it’s been a brilliant space for them as they’ve been able to come and stay for as long as they like and have a level of privacy.”
The sunroom at the front of the house is a cosy place to relax with a coffee, particularly in the winter. Photo / Supplied
The northwest-facing sunny kitchen flows out to the pool area and has a butler’s pantry, separate laundry, toilet. Photo / Supplied
The double garage fits two cars comfortably and is currently also home to a wine fridge. Automatic lockable gates, front and rear cameras, and thoughtfully placed lighting, provide security and extra peace of mind.
“Because of the hedge and the house being set back from the road it’s also very private.” The home is also located in a double grammar zone and walking distance to a number of private schools, parks and children’s playgrounds.
“It’s such a unique home with multiple living spaces for all the family, and it’s located in one of Remuera’s best roads,” says Jo Johnstone, of Bayleys. “The proportions suit active families who love to entertain. A perfect environment for poolside soirées and lavish garden parties.”
- 52 Bassett Road in Remuera, Auckland, goes to auction on December 4
