When the current owners of this Remuera property purchased it almost 20 years ago, maximising the incredible Ōrākei Basin view was a key aspect of their major renovation.
“We bought in 2006 and spent eight months renovating it. We wanted a ‘see through’ house, so that when you arrived, you could see straight through to the water,” one of them shares.
As it’s a 1960s original, they were also inspired by the distinctive style of acclaimed American modernist architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, and have utilised one of his key principles in their reimagination – where buildings are designed to harmonise with their environment.
The two-level residence is tucked into the prestigious Lucerne Road ridge and enjoys a beautifully sheltered, elevated position that’s completely immersed in the landscape.
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“We wanted to connect the inside with the outside so we put glass doors all along the front, they stack right back and completely open up the rooms. The sunsets and sunrises are amazing and the colours and reflections of the water are absolutely beautiful. We get all the fireworks and see the Sky Tower, as well as the trains in the distance.”
The sarked wooden ceilings and fireplace surrounds were a few of the few original elements that were retained, but all enhancements were made in a timeless modernist style. These include a copper roof, timber joinery and spaces reconfigured to work more practically, including enclosing the stairwell to the internal access three-car garage.
“All the tiles and bathrooms were done by Spazio Caza, including the enormous travertine bath from Italy in the ensuite. You can still buy the vanities today, even though the renovation is 20 years old, so they’re really timeless.
“We also opted for no handles in the kitchen to keep it streamlined and so that it wouldn’t date.”
The owners bought the home about 20 years ago and spent eight months renovating it. Photo / Supplied
The large glass windows and balustrades offer stunning and uninterrupted views. Photo / Supplied
Both levels have their own open fireplace and enjoy the outlook and offer generous living and entertaining spaces for families of all sizes – spanning a floor plan of over 400sqm.
The top floor entry level incorporates the expansive living, dining and kitchen zones, which then open out to tiled terraces with glass balustrades to leave the view uninterrupted. Also up here are three bedrooms, each with an ensuite, an office, a media room and a powder room.
Downstairs offers a large games room or further living area, triple internal garaging, a workshop, a huge laundry, massive storage and a bedroom with an ensuite. The wraparound deck can be accessed from both the bedroom and the living area.
“We’ve loved the tranquillity, it’s very peaceful. We both have very busy jobs so love that we can come home and relax. It’s also so private that we don’t even need curtains.
“We call the main bedroom ‘the weather room,’ as it’s a big room on the norwest corner and you can see all the storm clouds come past and the weather come and go. It’s a very sheltered part of the ridge and not windy at all.”
There are no handles in the kitchen to keep it streamlined and so that it wouldn’t date. Photo / Supplied
“We wanted a ‘see through’ house, so that when you arrived, you could see straight through to the water,” one of the owners says. Photo / Supplied
Now mature grounds were professionally designed by international award-winning garden designer, Xanthe White Design, to reflect the style of the house, as well as a nod to the owners’ love of Japan.
“We lived there for 10 years and love everything Japanese so we’ve got lots of maple trees out there and have evolved it a lot ourselves over the years.”
Listing agent John Q, from Ray White, says, “76 Lucerne Road is one of those rare homes where every detail has been carefully thought through – from the way the glass walls frame the Orakei Basin, to the natural materials that give the space a calm, grounded feel.
“It strikes that perfect balance between modern design and timeless comfort. You feel tucked away in your own private retreat, yet you’re just minutes from Remuera village, top schools, and the city. Homes like this – where the architecture truly connects with the landscape and the craftsmanship stands the test of time – don’t come up often.”
76 and 76A Lucerne Road in Remuera, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on May 21.
- Sponsored by Ray White
