This outstanding new-build home designed by award-winning architect Julian Guthrie has been four years in the making.
Together with Guthrie the owners masterminded their dream home which they moved into in mid-June 2025.
It wasn’t their intention to up sticks so soon, but their family situation has changed and unfortunately, they cannot stay. This provides an incredible opportunity for a new buyer because all the hard work – including planning consents – has been done.
Drawn in by the view of over the Orakei Basin to the harbour and city, the current owners demolished a 1980s “rotting plaster townhouse” on the property and enlisted Guthrie whose modernist architecture they admired.
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“We wanted a sophisticated city house. It’s stylish, soft and minimalist,” says the owner.
“It’s a beautiful architectural home with a mesmerising view. You can sit and watch it for hours – the cruise ships coming and going and the kids on their Optimists on Orakei Basin. It’s just a really interesting and beautiful view and the way the house is built maximises it. You see so much sky out there, it’s all green and blue.”
Every aspect of this home has been meticulously thought through by Guthrie and his team, such is the attention to detail. “Julian’s plans are very detailed down to every little bit of built-in cabinetry. Everything’s designed by him.”
Subtle curved walls create flow between spaces of the two-storey home and create a cocooning effect. “Everything feels soft and peaceful.”
Intentionally placed fixed louvres soften the light and create beautiful light play through the home’s spaces throughout the day. For example, the living area with a gas fireplace at the bottom of a travertine wall is lit from above by a light well.
Every aspect of this home has been meticulously thought through by Julian Guthrie and his team, such is the attention to detail. Photo / Supplied
The mesmerising view from the bath. Photo / Supplied
“Julian did all the sun studies to work out exactly where the sun was going to be at different times of the year to maximise it in winter and protect in summer. We often have the fire on effect-mode only because it’s a very warm house.”
A favourite room in the home is “the snug” with built-in bookshelves and a window seat that overlooks a shaded courtyard with a bubbling water feature on the western side and planted with fragrant blooms. It’s also the TV room and has acoustic insulation.
Out front the outdoor pool area makes the most of the sun. The pool is solar heated and its design a Guthrie trademark with its minimal edge and plant-filled moat.
“It’s a beautiful way of being able to look directly at your pool without a barrier in the way. Once the gardenias grow up it’ll just be a band of green between the deck and the pool.”
The pool design also seamlessly incorporates a spa – a sublime spot to soak on a still night. Photo / Supplied
The pool design also seamlessly incorporates a spa – a sublime spot to soak on a still night with the full moon shimmering across the water. The home’s indoor-outdoor flow is also incredible. An 11m-long sliding door opens the entire living room space to the deck.
“Our builders said it’s the biggest opening they’ve ever made. Normally we open the sliding doors from the middle, though they go both directions.”
The home has three bedrooms and three living areas. The upstairs lounge is where the current owner does her morning Pilates. “I often open the windows because they open right back so it feels like you’re almost out there in the view,” she says.
The master bedroom has views that can be extended by cleverly placed sliding doors – opening it up to a panorama from the Orakei Basin around the city. It also has a walk-in wardrobe and bath with a view and little windowsill for a glass of wine. It’s one of the owners’ favourite nooks in the home.
Other aspects that they love include design features such as invisible doors in the master ensuite and downstairs wine cellar. As well as the way the light hits in different ways throughout the day creating “moments of beauty”.
The two-storey residence has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, triple garaging, multiple living areas. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent Vicki Wallace says the residence is “the result of engaging one of New Zealand’s leading architects to take advantage of one of Auckland’s premier land holdings”. Photo / Supplied
“It’s a beautiful and peaceful house. It feels relaxing and is so comfortable. It’s got all the things you want to have a comfortable life.”
That includes the home being low maintenance as it’s been designed to be a lock up and leave. Tech in the home includes a security system with cameras, air conditioning, irrigation and automated blinds.
It’s also been crafted to the highest building standards using a refined palette of textured concrete, cedar, travertine stone, quartzite, marble and rich oak flooring by Clayton Tutty Construction. “Our builders were outstanding. We would use them again. I wouldn’t consider using anyone else.”
This property is beyond extraordinary, says Vicki Wallace, of Bayleys.
“It’s the result of engaging one of New Zealand’s leading architects to take advantage of one of Auckland’s premier land holdings with uninterrupted views overlooking the Orakei Basin to the city and harbour beyond.”
- 18 Martin Avenue in Remuera, Auckland, is for sale, deadline closing March 26
