From the street, 39 Bell Road in Remuera looks like it could once have been the home of one of New Zealand’s first settlers.
But step inside and you’ll discover an architecturally-designed masterpiece that marries classic elegance with ultra-modern design, resulting in an opulent home that looks like it would feel right at home in the hills of LA.
When Nikki Higgins and her then-husband purchased 39 Bell Road in Remuera, Auckland, 13 years ago, it was a beautifully restored 100-year-old villa complemented by a modern extension out the back.
“The previous owner was a clever carpenter who’d done a lovely job restoring the character of the original home,” says Nikki. “We had a vision of how we could keep reflections of the villa and add a modern ‘pronunciation’ to the part of the home that had already been extended.”
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39 Bell Road in Remuera is on the market for sale by auction on March 22. It has a 2021 RV of $4.65 million and according to OneRoof data, it last changed hands in 2010 for $1.67m.
Ray White agent Andrew Fava, who is marketing the home, says 39 Bell Road is the ideal property for buyers looking for a luxury home who don’t have the appetite for renovations.
“Buyers, especially at the upper end of the market, are looking for turnkey homes where they just have to turn up with their suitcases,” Fava says. “39 Bell Road has it all – and it’s all already been done. The right buyer will love this wonderful family home on the northern slopes of Remuera.”
The property is a beautifully restored 100-year-old villa with a modern extension out the back, and has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a double garage and swimming pool. Photo / Supplied
Designed by Keshaw McArthur Architects, the five-bedroom, three-bathroom home is characterised by simple, neutral tones that create a warm, established feeling – like it’s been there forever.
Wooden accents are complemented by sleek, streamlined lines and angles. Expansive windows and high ceilings create a sense of luxurious space throughout the home, while bifold doors blur the line between inside and out.
One of the heroes of the extension – and there are many – is the kitchen. “I wanted the space to be really clean, easy to use, and allow for easy socialising, so decisions were made like putting the sink near the cooktop rather than on the island and having an open butler’s pantry.”
Giant bi-folds reveal a large outdoor entertaining space that overlooks a flat, manicured lawn and pool area that’s less backyard and more private oasis.
The kitchen is one of the heroes of the extension with its wooden accents complemented by sleek, streamlined lines and angles. Photo / Supplied
Giant bi-folds from the open-plan living area lead to a large outdoor entertaining space that overlooks a flat, manicured lawn and pool area. Photo / Supplied
Downstairs, a multi-purpose recreation room provides plenty of options for liveability.
“It’s completely sound-proofed down there which is awesome for the kids who use it as their drop-in centre for friends,” Nikki laughs. “The attached bathroom makes it a really versatile space; when we have guests from out of town they stay down there, and it could be a good work-from-home or even an Airbnb option.”
The home is very much a family home – one that Nikki’s three children have come to be quite proud of.
“When the kids were young, they were too scared to go downstairs by themselves but now it’s where they always hang out. They’re always outside rolling around on lawn with the dog or splashing in the pool with their friends.
“When you renovate a home you’re putting a personal fingerprint on it, and we’re all really proud of what we’ve created together.”
