Former New Zealand Idol judge Jackie Clarke and her husband, film director Grant Lahood, have put their multi-million-dollar Auckland villa on the market for sale.
The couple bought the house at 10 Northland Street, in Grey Lynn, almost 25 years ago for $356,000 - which wouldn't be enough to cover a 20% deposit for a home in the suburb these days.
Clarke, who has made her name as a singer and entertainer, told OneRoof that the couple were looking to build a new home and now seemed the right time to sell.
“Our two sons are grown up now and it just feels like it’s time for Grant and me to have some new adventures – maybe building on a piece of land we own, up north,” she said.
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Clarke said the couple almost passed on the house when they first saw back in 1998; although they loved the character villa with its serene and private back garden, they thought it was out of their league, so they didn’t attend the auction.
However, a few weeks later, as luck would have, they noticed it was still listed – and at a price point they thought they could manage.
“We got a second bite at the cherry – made an offer which was accepted and here we are today,” she said.
The villa still had original street appeal but like so many homes of its era in Grey Lynn, a lean-to extension had been added at the rear during the 1970s.
Entertainer Jackie Clarke at her home: “Lots of well-known musicians have rehearsed here.” Photo / Supplied
“Over the years we did two renovations and our wonderful architect Briar Green made it really work,” Clarke said. “We have a flat roof at the back – it’s almost Japanese-style.”
The now four-bedroom, two-bathroom house has typically high villa ceilings and lots of wall space – something that’s vital for keen collector Clarke, who finds herself drawn to multiples, rather than single objects.
She added: “Lots of well-known musicians have rehearsed here.”
The listing agents for the home, Marty Hall and Heather Lanting, from Ray White Ponsonby, said it was a unique. “Our owners have lived here for 24 years and had the most amazing family lifestyle. What they have created here is seldom found. The moment you walk in, you'll understand what we mean,” Hall said.
10 Northland Street in Grey Lynn, Auckland will be sold at auction on March 23.
