For families seeking top schooling and an easy, connected lifestyle, this contemporary-style Remuera home meets the brief without compromise.
Set within Auckland’s double grammar zone it offers space, privacy and expansive city views in a safe, welcoming neighbourhood. This was just what the current owners were seeking when they purchased the property online from Australia seven years ago.
They moved into what was essentially a brand new home as the original early 1990s build had been extensively renovated and came with a 10-year warranty (of which three years remain). This included new cedar cladding and double glazing.
“We love the views and warmth of the home in winter. Coming back to New Zealand after 20 years in Australia we wanted a house with double glazing,” says the owner.
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The current owners have since added their own personal touches, installing quality plantation blinds throughout the home. Landscaping the garden with tropical palms, adding a covered outdoor dining area with louvres (that can be opened or closed) and repaving the courtyard with contemporary stone tiles.
A 2m stainless steel security gate at the entrance (with keypad access on entry and exit) has also been added and the property is surrounded by a substantial green hedge adding to its sense of sanctuary and privacy. “It’s a really beautiful spot with its own microclimate.”
Three of the four bedrooms are generously sized and two have an ensuite, one of which the family currently uses for a guest bedroom. The main and guest rooms also have walk-in wardrobes.
The main bedroom easily accommodates a Californian King. “Because it’s such a beautiful room that we didn’t want to overshadow the view with lots of art,” says the owner.
“Instead, we have the plantation shutters that open completely. The home is north-west facing and it’s nice on those really hot afternoons to gently close those and the light is so beautiful, and then later you can open them up and the window frames the view like a picture,” says the owner.
The home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and garaging, plus multiple living areas. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent Steve Koerber says: “It has fabulous indoor-outdoor flow, a flexible light-filled floor plan, is double glazed for year-round comfort.” Photo / Supplied
“Our daughter loves her bedroom because of the beautiful sweeping views of the Sky Tower, Auckland Museum and the beautiful horizon of the city at sunset. It’s especially beautiful in winter with all the sparkling lights.”
The study, which currently accommodates two desks, is big enough to be a fifth bedroom if required. There’s also a media room, currently the “man cave” – one of two living areas in the home.
The downstairs kitchen and living area flow out to the courtyard and enclosed backyard where they’ve also hosted many fantastic parties. In the summer months, the bifold glass doors remain open. “It’s the first thing we open in the morning.”
Having an engineered floor downstairs was also a big selling point for the family when they moved in.
“It’s the same brand as one of our houses on the Gold Coast which is what drew us to the property as well. They’re the best if you have animals or young kids as you can’t scratch them.”
The internal double garage has an automatic door that opens onto a second sunny private courtyard area, perfect for hanging washing and housing the bins away from view. The family have also built a timber shed, “which emulates the house”, to house gear like bikes.
The downstairs kitchen and living area flow out to the courtyard and enclosed backyard. Photo / Supplied
Three of the four bedrooms are generously sized and two have an ensuite. Photo / Supplied
Entertaining in this house is also a joy with a spacious modern kitchen, two Bosch ovens and the natural flow to the outdoors where the family have hosted many gatherings for family and friends.
“It’s very hard to leave,” says the owner.
“There’s the sense of community. The neighbours are all so lovely and it’s just so safe. The bus to Dio is right across the road. The bus also goes straight to Newmarket and the same bus on our side goes to Mission Bay. The primary school and dairy are also so close. When we bought it, it was perfect on paper and it’s provided that idyllic Kiwi lifestyle where you can walk everywhere.”
This is a modern and immaculate low-maintenance DGZ suntrap with a feeling of style and grace, says Steve Koerber of Bayleys.
“It has fabulous indoor-outdoor flow, a flexible light-filled floor plan, is double glazed for year-round comfort, and walking distance to Victoria Avenue School and shops.”
- 198A Victoria Avenue in Remuera, Auckland, goes to auction on May 20
