The current owner of this resort-like estate says that he and his wife could never have hoped for a better home for themselves while their children – who’ve recently left the nest – were growing up.
“We bought it around 20 years ago from a couple who had recently finished remodelling it completely and it was just perfect.”
Set on a vast 6300sqm section at the end of a peaceful no-exit street in Pakuranga Heights, Manukau, the house is huge – at 530sqm – yet he says that his family never felt as if they were rattling around in it.
“Our kids went to Sunnyhills Primary School, then it was a short walk to St Kentigern College, and there were always friends of theirs splashing in the pool or playing rugby on the lawn – it was great!” the owner says, adding that he has hosted regular Tuesday night tennis sessions, for friends on the floodlit court for many years.
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13 Acmena Lane in Pakuranga Heights, Manukau, is on the market for sale by tender closing April 18. The property has a 2021 RV of $8.8 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 2003 for $2.7m.
Listing agent Angela Rudling from Bayleys, Howick, who is marketing the property with Michael Chi, says it represents a remarkable opportunity.
“It’s amazing to find a lifestyle option like this one in the middle of suburbia. Normally you’d have to go out to Whitford for something of this quality – and it’s so close to St Kent’s, in a discreet, private cul-de-sac.”
The swimming pool has been a drawcard for the homeowners' children and their friends. Photo / Supplied
The house itself is classic, yet contemporary, and he and his wife have kept it meticulously maintained.
“Because the previous owners had great taste and used only the best and most high-spec materials, we’ve barely had to change anything at all,” the owner says.
The entrance foyer with its soaring ceiling is nothing short of dramatic and provides the first examples of a very clever use of natural building materials, including limestone and basalt, throughout the home.
“They also used a lot of interesting timber, including eucalyptus,” notes the owner.
As you would expect, the elegant timber kitchen is vast and extra-well equipped for easy and relaxed entertaining. It flows seamlessly to surrounding casual dining and living spaces, while adults can escape if they desire, to an elegant, separate formal dining room and lounge area.
The current owners bought the property 20 years ago from a couple who had just finished remodelling it completely. Photo / Supplied
The owner has hosted regular Tuesday night tennis sessions for friends on the floodlit court for many years. Photo / Supplied
All of these spaces, along with two of the three downstairs bedrooms open out to extensive, sun-kissed porches and decking. Also on this floor are a laundry and three bathrooms – plus an enormous garage with space for at least five vehicles.
The master suite lies on the second floor and features a huge bedroom, ensuite and walk-in closet, plus a home office – or alternatively a nursery. The property has future development potential plus good access to the airport and Auckland’s CBD, which the owner says he can reach in 15 minutes or so – in off-peak traffic.
He says that the garden looks impressive but is quite easy-care and with a ride-on mower he effortlessly deals with the lawns.
At night when the pool lighting illuminates the swaying palm trees there’s practically nowhere else you'd rather be, says the owner, but he and his wife have new goals on the horizon.
“I’m not saying that we won’t really, really miss it though!”
