Thirty-five years ago, home buyers John and Pamela made a very wise and forward-looking decision which involved buying the worst house on the best street.
In this case, the address was prestigious Arney Road, where elevated homes on Remuera’s northern slopes enjoy some of the best views in this popular neighbourhood.
It was a good-size 946sqm section, which lent itself to building a large family home, and once the existing house was gone, John and Pamela’s project got underway.
By lucky chance, they were able to obtain a covenant on the section next door, as the Anglican church was in the process of redeveloping it at the time. This ensured that John and Pamela’s glorious harbour vista can never be built out.
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“We were incredibly fortunate to get that opportunity,” says John.
The 457sqm home is set across four floors, the first of which – at ground level, surrounds the 100,000-litre infinity pool – with a shallow end for little ones, and comprises a large rumpus room plus a bathroom for after-dip showers and a study, as well as a wet bar and an impressive wine cellar.
The second level is by far the biggest, encompassing the triple garage, laundry, a handsome entrance foyer and the huge open-plan kitchen, dining and family zone, with a separate formal lounge for special occasions.
Pamela says that the kitchen has been refurbished and when she can bear to tear herself away from gazing at the view outside, she can still see it – reflected in the soft, grey-toned glass splashback.
The 457sqm home is set across four floors, the ground level surrounds the 100,000-litre infinity pool, and its views are protected by a covenant. Photo / Supplied
The home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, triple garaging plus off-street parking, multiple living areas and sits on a 946sqm section. Photo / Supplied
Two bedrooms lie on the third level with dedicated storage space while the master suite on the top floor is truly luxurious with an ensuite and wardrobe plus its own balcony. There is a further bedroom on this level, which also enjoys an attractive outlook.
John and Pamela have three now grown-up children, and the property was the scene of many happy occasions – splashing in the pool, playing in the garden and entertaining alfresco on the extensive decks.
“Nowadays it’s the grandchildren running around!,” says Pamela.
Like so many other owners of large properties in the area, she and John are downsizing and passing the baton, as they put it, to the next young family wanting to access the area’s desirable schools.
The huge open-plan kitchen, dining and family zone, with a separate formal lounge for special occasions, sits on the second level. Photo / Supplied
“It goes without saying that the view is what we’ll miss most – especially during cruise boat season,” says one of the owners. Photo / Supplied
“It goes without saying that the view is what we’ll miss most – especially during cruise boat season,” says Pamela.
John says he’ll also miss the proximity to Remuera and Newmarket, each of which is a 15-minute walk away, and the convenience of being close to “medical mile” with its surgeries and specialists.
Richard Thode believes that this is a true “blue chip” opportunity to secure an impressive and much-admired home.
“It isn’t often that you find such a perfect package: the views, the address and being north-facing for maximum sun.”
- 22 Arney Road in Remuera, Auckland, is for sale, deadline closing March 31
