On the market for the first time in 65 years, this landmark Remuera property not only boasts a prime Victoria Avenue location, but serious architectural pedigree.
The land is firmly entrenched in local history and was originally part of the historic Horton Homestead estate. The residence was built by owner Neville Porter’s parents, Jack and Leslie, in 1961. They commissioned leading architects of the era to design their grand modernist home.
Today, it’s a perfectly preserved showpiece of the era, with the elegant proportions and intricate French-inspired detailing on display throughout.
“My father had a great sense of design himself but enlisted architects Massey, Beatson, Rix Trott, Carter and Co to draw up plans,” says Neville.
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“Massey was Horace Massey, he did a lot for the government of the day as well as churches, including St Michaels in Remuera. He later had an architectural partnership with George Tole – Tole & Massey.”
The grand, inspired design required a passionate, perfectionist builder, so the Porters enlisted one by the name of Cammell to craft the solid brick home.
“Mr Cammell was one of the builders of the day and he’d also built the house next door, which belonged to Peter Nathan, of L.D Nathan fame.”
Cammell’s work was well ahead of its time and no corner was cut in terms of quality within the two-level home.
“The roofing was brought in from Canada and all the mouldings inside were specially run in beautiful wood, along with handmade plaster detailing.”
Resplendent wall panelling and deep decorative cornices are on display in the main living area, which was extended in the 1970s. It now features several large picture windows that bathe the home in sunlight and frame the views from sunrise to sunset.
The owner’s parents commissioned an architecture firm to draw up plans, one of the architects being Horace Massey. Photo / Supplied
The residence has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and garaging, and sits on a 680sqm section. Photo / Supplied
There are five bedrooms in total – two on the ground level with a kitchenette – plus a double garage and another living room that opens to mature gardens and a generous lawn.
When Neville was growing up, downstairs was the perfect teen hangout and later became an ideal independent quarters for the nurse caring for his elderly mother.
Neville says the elevation and aspect of the house are wonderful features. “We get the morning sun into the eastern side, then during the day the sun comes around to the north, as the house is north-facing. Then in the evening, it sets by Mount Hobson.”
The multifaceted outlook captures many of Auckland’s key landmarks, including the Sky Tower and Rangitoto, and Neville notes the views are even more panoramic one level up, should the floor plan be expanded.
While presented in largely original condition, the home’s enduring design and timeless detailing make it perfectly liveable as is. Or astute buyers can explore options for continuing the estate’s legacy with an inspired reimagining.
While presented in largely original condition, the home’s enduring design and timeless detailing make it perfectly liveable as is. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent Steve Koerber says: “It’s the best part of Victoria Ave and that’s why the most expensive home on the street is next door.” Photo / Supplied
With council consent already granted for a comprehensive modernisation, the initial hard work has been done to make this vision a reality.
Steve Koerber, from Bayleys, is marketing the property with wife Nila and notes this property is in extremely good company.
“Essentially it’s sitting between two homes that will be in the $20 to $30 million range – one of them is not even built yet but that’s the calibre of the real estate around there. It’s the best part of Victoria Ave and that’s why the most expensive home on the street is next door.”
He suggests that options abound here and the home is beautifully comfortable to live in as is while buyers wait until the time is right to create a masterpiece.
“You cannot over capitalise. It would be perfect for someone who knows Remuera, who probably grew up around here and wants one of the best slices of it. These places don’t come up often.”
- 54 Victoria Avenue in Remuera, Auckland, goes to auction on March 10
