The owners of this luxury waterfront home loved the location so much that when it was time for a change, they simply rebuilt it.
Bill explains, “we originally designed it as a family home in 1995. We like the area so much that when it was starting to look a bit tired, we decided that instead of moving, we’d invest the money into rebuilding this place in 2015”.
With the help of VRLA Architects, they have created a private, resort-style sanctuary that’s a dream for family living and entertaining on a grand scale. The 352sqm residence is crafted to the highest of standards and is a showpiece of construction excellence, design ingenuity and technological innovation.
As the 771sqm north-facing property embraces the Panmure Basin and enjoys panoramic water and Mount Wellington views, the calming and elegant interior aesthetic pays homage to this coastal setting.
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The neighbourhood is part of exclusive Waipuna Cove, a special enclave the family call “Mount Wellington’s best-kept secret”, and a neighbourhood that once people arrive, they stick around in.
“When we arrived it was just bare section on an almost empty subdivision – the place used to be a market garden. We were the second or third house in the subdivision. We’ve been there for 35 years and a lot of our neighbours have been there for a similar amount of time.”
According to OneRoof data, that bare section sold for $150,000 in 1990.
The new 2015 incarnation capitalised on the incredibly solid original construction – reinforced brick masonry and cedar – but with a contemporary twist.
“It was brick both inside and outside the house and we eventually got sick of all the brickwork, so we decided to plaster the whole lot and paint it, inside and out. It’s changed the whole house.”
The 771sqm north-facing property embraces the Panmure Basin and enjoys panoramic water and Mount Wellington views.
The oak floor reception foyer flows into the generous, open-plan dining room and casual living areas.
A unique, Balinese-inspired water wall at the front entrance sets the scene for the luxury hotel vibe to follow throughout.
Interiors were brought to life by award-winning designed Gretl Lukas, who has balanced natural textures, materials and finishes throughout to creative the distinct tropical resort look and feel.
The oak floor reception foyer flows into the generous, open-plan dining room and casual living areas, which enjoy an easy connection to private patio and idyllic foreshore-facing pool plaza.
The in-ground pool is gas heated and enveloped with lush mature gardens and flat lawns, which were designed by Mark Reid from Natural Habitat.
A frameless, double-sided gas fireplace links the formal dining area to the sunken lounge, while the kitchen features an island bench and Bosch appliances.
The ground floor master boasts a walk-through robe and tiled ensuite, while the remaining bedrooms, family bathroom and media room are located upstairs. The layout has worked beautifully for the family over the decades.
The in-ground pool is gas heated and enveloped with lush mature gardens and flat lawns, designed by Mark Reid from Natural Habitat.
The kitchen features an island bench and Bosch appliances.
“We’ve had a lot of 21st birthdays and engagement parties here. My wife is Canadian so we have lots of visitors, so it’s great they can have their own space upstairs.”
A suite of features further elevate the home and include state-of-the-art lighting, smart home installations, air conditioning, CCTV and a workshop in the internal double garage.
The location has also been fantastic.
“It’s a cul de sac so it’s nice and quiet but you’re so close to everything – St Kentigern College, Sylvia Park and the Eastern Expressway.”
Behind the property’s retaining wall, a track also accesses the picturesque Panmure Lagoon walkway for exercise and recreation.
Aaron Foss, from Barfoot & Thompson, says that there has been absolutely no expense spared here.
“It’s the best money can buy. It’s got a resort vibe with huge, north-facing living spaces, and enjoys sunsets and stunning views of the boats sailing across the water.”
11 Marine Lane in Mount Wellington, Auckland, has a 2021 RV of $3.1 million and is for sale by auction on March 5.
- Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson
