Bold and big historic family mansions in New Zealand’s premier suburbs are attracting middle aged Kiwis who are returning to motherland after successful business careers overseas.
Real estate agent Ollie Wall, who is marketing a 550 sq m mansion at 43 Arney Road with a big piece of land, in Auckland's Remuera, says that these classic heritage houses bring back childhood memories to potential buyers.
The six-bedroom home sparked a lot of interest from expats who are coming back home after decades of working overseas. “They are returning home from Hong Kong, Singapore, London and are now in their 40s and moving home with their young kids to give them what they had growing up,” he says.
“They want kids to play in the neighbourhood they know and love.”
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Known as St Ann, the mansion on one of Remuera’s most coveted streets was designed by Chilwell and Trevithick in 1914 for Charles Isaac Nathan, of the well-known merchant and brewing family that founded L.D Nathan & Co. It was one of the first homes to be built on Arney Rd. Chilwell and Trevithick also designed Myers Kindergarten and the Arthur Eady Building on Queen St.
Buyers interested in heritage mansions have a budget for it but also a specific taste for that style of house, be it English-style or Arts and Crafts.
St Ann mansion was one of the first homes on Arney Rd when it was built in 1914.
“It’s someone who appreciates the history of not only the house but the area," says Wall.
“People enjoy owning and take care of a piece of history rather than buy new and sell in five years. They would rather nurture and hold on to something special.”
While Arney Rd mansion is a classic, with clay tiled roof, big windows and an immaculate box parterre garden, it has modernised bathrooms. “It’s up to you how much you want to do,” says Wall.
Wall says the property, which stretches over 3000sq m of prime real estate has opportunities to take it to the “next level” by adding more to the landscape or adding a pool on the front yard.
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Four blocks away on Upland Rd, another mansion is also sparking a lot of interest amongst expats.
Bayleys agent David Rainbow says it was love with first sight for the family who purchased the 1924 home 26 years ago.
Years later, the cycle is continuing, and families in a similar situation are interested in the four-bedroom property.
"The people who have shown interest are in that 40 to 55 age group who are coming back from the UK, and are used to having that English-influenced style home,” Rainbow says.
He says that the old character homes have a more homely feel than new build, which some buyers prefer.
They also don’t go out of style, Rainbow says.
“Doesn’t matter whether it’s a house, clothes or a car – people always enjoy something that has that sense of character about it.”
Also, buyers who collect antique furniture or design pieces are more attracted to historic mansions.
“Modern homes don’t have as much character as these homes. There was a period in 80s when architecture was not as glamorous or character-filled as it has been in the past.”
The top level of the 290sq m home has three bedrooms and two tiled bathrooms including the main ensuite.
The main level comprises both formal and casual living and dining areas, including a family-room adjoining the spacious kitchen with loads of cupboard space.
Set on about 2236 sq m of land the property also has an outdoor tennis court and a two-car garage.
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