The current owners of this fantastic Remuera hideaway fully understood that they were to be ‘custodians’ of a true local treasure, when they bought it in 2014.
Constructed in the late 1800s, 37 Bell Road was originally a single level, Victorian, square-fronted villa, standing alongside several others, on land that was largely rural at the time.
A farmer, Joseph Tanner, bought it from its then owner, Anna Maria Davies, in 1904 and it remained in his family for almost 80 years before changing hands several times more – gaining a split-level extension to the rear, along the way.
The current owners have a lot of experience in renovating and decorating and their attention to detail is absolute.
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“We have basically replaced every single part of the home with top quality materials,” she says. “It looks like the same house, but it’s actually completely new and still under guarantee, too!”
37 Bell Road in Remuera has a 2021 RV of $4 million and is on the market for sale by tender closing March 3. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom property is listed with Terry and Diana King of Remuera Register.
The owner has paid special attention to the garden, which has a romantic flavour, reminiscent of classic English gardens, such as Sissinghurst, complete with water features and fruit trees. It looks simply beautiful, but she says that the hard work’s been done and it’s now surprisingly easy to care for, and the ultra-private swimming pool blends seamlessly into its surroundings.
The formal lounge has wallpaper that was purchased in Paris. A period fireplace is a glamorous focal point, and the artwork and furniture have all been chosen lovingly, with the home’s era in mind. Photo / Supplied
The house enjoys a picturesque wraparound veranda, beyond which lies an interior so magnificent it regularly takes guests’ breath away, especially if they’re seeing it for the first time.
The hallway is gallery-like and to its right is the kitchen with Miele appliances and an enormous island bench. It’s the first of many rooms characterised by a deliciously maximalist chinoiserie theme – in the wallpaper and fabrics used. It’s roomy, with a dining area that’s been the scene of many elegant dinner parties.
Across the hallway is the formal lounge with wallpaper that was purchased in Paris. A period fireplace is a glamorous focal point, and the artwork and furniture have all been chosen lovingly, with the home’s era in mind. Many have been purchased at auction, both here and overseas.
A library, with extensive built-in shelving houses a lifetime’s collection of books, while a grand piano dominates the space and another period fireplace warms the room in winter. Also on this level is the vast family bathroom – with its huge marble tiles stone bath and basin, it too is an ideal space to display special artwork.
The garden has a romantic flavour reminiscent of classic English gardens, complete with water features and fruit trees. Photo / Supplied
The hallway is gallery-like with the kitchen to its right. Photo / Supplied
A spare bedroom is currently set up as an opulent home office then – at the rear of the hallway, just a few steps up, is the master suite with yet another luxury bathroom and an enviable dressing room with mirrored doors and sufficient space to house the biggest wardrobe.
If a new owner wanted to, they could revert this room to a fourth bedroom.
The main bedroom’s décor has a distinctive Hamptons’ vibe – the couple are huge fans of legendary American designer, Ralph Lauren, and his crisp, cool interiors, than downstairs is another bedroom with it’s own bathroom and entrance, plus a laundry which the owners suggest could easily become a kitchenette as well.
What makes the entire offering at 37 Bell Road even more exciting is the fact that much of the furniture and the tasteful accessories can be bought (by negotiation) with the house.
The couple say that they tend to do something different with each property they renovate, and that sourcing these items is a huge part of the fun. It’s an addictive process, and suddenly they feel like doing it all over again!
