“People who grow up in Glendowie tend to come back here,” says Emma – the owner of this spectacular mansion on the suburb’s sought-after ridge, with panoramic views that take in Browns Island, Rangitoto, Tiritiri Matangi, Musick Point, Whitford and beyond, to the Coromandel – who did exactly that.
She bought the 399sqm home at 577 Riddell Road, which stands on a generous 897sqm site, two years ago because she could see that it had “good bones” despite what was then somewhat dated 1990s style décor.
“It needed a facelift, and I felt that I wanted to give it the classic, elegant and timeless look that it deserved. I’m so thrilled with the way it’s turned out,” she says.
Bold touches, such as staining the floorboards dark brown quickly helped to transform the house, and a dramatic new designer kitchen, featuring a standout central island and eye-catching tiled splashback add extra glamour.
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Emma says she included lots of white to reflect the natural light that floods almost every corner of the home, while black accent walls bring crisp definition in the living areas.
577 Riddell Road in Glendowie, Auckland, is on the market for sale by tender. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom property has a 2021 CV of $5.7 million and, according to OneRoof data, the property last changed hands in 2022 for $5.55m.
Reached via a statement entrance, the house has a gallery-style foyer, with double height ceiling and a giant open-plan living dining and family space arranged around the kitchen, where washing up is no chore, with those views of the harbour and surrounding islands providing a pleasant distraction.
Four of the five bedrooms are located upstairs with stunning views.
Extensive decking and patios plus a pool and spa provide plenty of options for basking in the sun, and enjoying wine and cheese with friends.
Also on this floor is a bedroom and bathroom along with separate laundry and two internally-accessed garages, one double and one single. Upstairs are a further four bedrooms including the master, with its cool, contemporary bathroom, window seat and an enormous walk-in closet – along with a private balcony.
There’s a little sitting room – or office, and some very handy attic space as well.
Extensive decking and patios plus a pool and spa provide plenty of options for enjoying the sun (and there’s also a sauna), and Emma says that it’s like having an extra, outdoor room, for enjoying wine and cheese with friends on sunny days.
Sub-tropical landscaping, including palm trees, contributes to a resort-like atmosphere.
Washing up in the kitchen is no chore, with views providing a pleasant distraction.
The house has a gallery-style foyer, with double height ceiling and a giant open-plan living dining and family space arranged around the kitchen.
“It’s honestly been like coming home to a private luxury retreat every day.”
Emma has moved a short distance away, as she enters a new phase of her life, but she can still see Rangitoto, which is very important to her, and says she will certainly miss what she can only describe as the “perfect home” in a lovely friendly neighbourhood with a strong sense of community and the excellent local schools, which tie families together.
Kelly Midwood, from Barfoot & Thompson, who is marketing 577 Riddell Road, says that it enjoys a highly sought after location, between Churchill Park and Karaka Bay Beach.
“They’ve really done an amazing job transforming this lovely home.”
As well as being safe behind security gates, the property also offers plenty of off-street parking.
- 577 Riddell Road in Glendowie, Auckland, is for sale by tender closing August 28
