A tour of 81A Shelley Beach Rd, in Auckland's St Mary’s Bay, and you can't help but think that you'll bump into 007.
The house's extraordinary architecture and decor wouldn't look out of place in a James Bond film. In fact, it's proved a brilliant entertainer to the rich and famous, even welcoming the likes of British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson.
Owners Peggy and John vacated it for a weekend in 2011 so Sir Richard and his family could stay while he headlined an Outward Bound Trust fundraiser.
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It’s a jaw-dropping residence, with panoramic, north facing views covering the glittering Auckland cityscape, Westhaven marina, the harbour bridge and out to Devonport, Rangitoto and beyond.
Barfoot & Thompson Ponsonby agent Felicity Scott says: “This home is simply superb and the views of the city and harbour the best you can get so close to the waterfront, CBD and Ponsonby.
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“This is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as homes of this standing in St Mary’s Bay are rare.”
John and Peggy, who were key players in the wine-making supplies and cork industry, moved here with three children from a nearby apartment in 1991.
Peggy says: “We absolutely fell in love with the view and the fact we were going to be able to put in a full-sized tennis court in a 50-50 arrangement with a neighbour.
“It was a real 80s house when we bought it and is totally different now. About a decade ago we did a major renovation with the help of architect Andrew Mirams.”
They briefed him to reinvent it as a striking contemporary home befitting its 1570sq m dress-circle location.
“It’s been a fabulous home to live and entertain in and would be great for another family,” says Peggy.
The house combines zinc cladding with a Sto plaster system and basalt stone and is set down a driveway behind an auto gate. Off-street parking fronts the triple garage.
A large, resort-like entry courtyard includes alfresco seating areas, barbeque, solar-heated swimming pool and pool house with bathroom.
It’s a great vantage point to admire the three-storey home and its magnificent oversized front door, which opens into a skylight-topped central void showcasing a gob-smacking curved staircase, its glass ribs glinting under a dazzling crystal chandelier.
Peggy says: “Visitors comment that the staircase is out of this world.”
The foyer offers a lift as well as a curvaceous, mosaic powder room glittering with silver leaf. This entry-level middle floor has majestic entertaining areas admiring the outlook and the tennis court where Australian tennis legend Pat Cash once played.
John and Peggy have had many memorable dinners in the promenade-like dining space with contemporary chandelier and alongside living space adjoining the double-oven, Gaggenau-outfitted gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry.
The sumptuous lounge includes a timber feature wall harbouring a gas fireplace and concealing a television. Plus there’s a view into a temperature-controlled wine cellar.
Upstairs, the luxurious master suite has decks and views, a pop-up television, dressing room and svelte en suite including a free-standing bath. Another bedroom with walk-in-wardrobe and en suite complete this floor.
The lower floor has decks, a big second living space with surround sound system and two ensuited bedrooms plus a laundry room.
Find out more about 81A Shelly Beach Road.
