Performance, as well as comfort, beauty and family function, are at the forefront of the design of this new Kohimarama residence.
The four-bedroom home was built by the current owners, Andrew and his wife, who were inspired to create two freehold dwellings on the 1800sqm property they purchased in 2019.
“We were living in Australia at the time and came home literally a month before Covid – our kids were starting school and we wanted to be back here with the family,” says Andrew.
“As it’s such a large site, we thought over a 10-year period we would build our house and enjoy it. We never really intended to do a development on it but once we were living there, we realised there are two good sites with two good views – one looking out to Rangitoto and the other looking out to Browns Island.”
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So they decided to subdivide and enlisted architect Daniel Marshall – a longtime family friend – to develop site plans for two houses, one to sell and one for themselves, which is currently under construction. Their brief to Marshall was to create a beautiful family home that would appeal across the board and they spared absolutely no expense in creating the stylish and luxurious living environment.
“Once the structure was built and we realised the view was quite a bit better than we thought, we knew we needed to go all out. We wanted to do right by the architect, get all the top end finishes and really make something of it.”
The open-plan dining and kitchen are the home’s centrepiece, with the kitchen boasting Miele appliances, bespoke timber cabinetry and a scullery. This and the living space flow out poolside and to the expansive decks that wrap around the outside.
Walls of glass are a key feature throughout and take in the panoramic views, which are particularly spectacular in the upstairs master retreat. This also boasts a spa-like ensuite, while three additional bedrooms share a living space and bathroom.
The house is also a statement of construction ingenuity and verticality.
The open-plan dining and kitchen are the home’s centrepiece, with the kitchen boasting Miele appliances, bespoke timber cabinetry and a scullery. Photo / Supplied
The vendors decided to subdivide and enlisted architect Daniel Marshall to develop site plans for two houses, one to sell and one for themselves. Photo / Supplied
“We wanted to maximise the views so we went high. We had lived in London for 10 years previously and lived in rooftop terrace houses, so we love terraces.
“This one is big enough to be functional – we envisaged having a dining table up there so you can barbecue and eat up there while kids play in the pool down below.”
Hydronic in-slab heating/cooling keeps the home at the perfect temperature throughout the seasons, while German triple-glazed Internorm windows and German clay block construction ensures strength and thermal efficiency.
The living environment is further enhanced by lime plaster walls, which regulate humidity and foster healthier indoor air. A Stiebel-Eltron heat system runs the house, water and pool heating.
“Because we used the block, it allowed us to use limestone render on the inside – limestone is a breathing product and gets the moisture out of the air. We love it so we’re excited to use it in our house as well.”
Walls of glass are a key feature throughout and take in the panoramic views. Photo / Supplied
“We wanted to maximise the views so we went high,” says one of the homeowners. Photo / Supplied
Tucked down a private driveway, the property enjoys a good sense of peace and tranquillity and the major landscaping overhaul was a team effort.
“We got the kids involved and cleared it all out, then planted 600 natives down there so it’s turned into a really nice native bush. We had a lot of fun doing that and bringing the birds back into the area.”
The location is a major drawcard. “We can walk down to the beach with the kayaks and walk to Mission Bay and the cinema – everything is walking distance.”
Through this build process the family has set an extremely high bar for their own home. “We love that house and hope that we can get ours to as good a level as that one!”
Vicki Wallace is selling the property with Gary and Andrew Wallace and says, “this is a statement residence for discerning buyers who value performance as much as beauty”.
She also notes that the executive home would work equally well for empty-nesters or downsizers looking for lock-and-leave flexibility and space for the grandkids to come and stay.
- 54A Kohimarama Road in Kohimarama, Auckland, is for sale, deadline closing November 27
