When Karl and Briar, the current owners of this spectacular family home, sold their previous dwelling in 2020, they thought they’d hit the jackpot, in terms of price, but soon realised that they would be buying again in the same overheated market.
“We found it a bit disheartening, missing out at one auction after another,” says Karl.
“But then this great piece of land came up for sale in Meadowbank and we decided to go for it and build our own dream home.”
He and Briar had seen a house designed by Box, The Architect Builder, in nearby St Heliers, and thought that their style would work well on the generous, level north-facing Bonnie Brae Road section.
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After the initial consultations, work began, and the couple were simply thrilled with the eventual result.
“They did everything we’d asked for,” says Briar.
“The kitchen and living room are amazing with their high ceilings, and it’s such a sunny space with great airflow in summer.”
She and Karl are keen entertainers, so the kitchen appliances are all high-quality, and the butler’s pantry is another very desirable feature – getting plenty of use both day-to-day and on special occasions.
After losing out at multiple auctions, the homeowners bought a section on Bonnie Brae Road and engaged Box, The Architect Builder, to build their dream home.
At the backyard is an easy-care Tiger Turf which includes a four-hole chipping and putting green.
A family room opens off the living area and a bedroom with ensuite completes the mid-level, providing private space for guests, older family members or potentially even a teenager.
Karl and Briar’s home also enjoys the luxury of a separate laundry – which is vital with two small daughters aged three and six. It’s adjacent to the double garage on the ground floor.
Meanwhile, the three main bedrooms are all upstairs, with an especially generous master suite which enjoys its own shower and toilet, open wardrobe, and study. The family bathroom is next door, and the two little girls’ bedrooms are light and bright with plenty of room for their toys.
“The designers at Box were so clever in the way that they maximised every single area,” says Briar, adding that one of the features she’ll really miss is a cleverly situated wine cellar, tucked away under the stairs.
She’ll also take away fond memories of the extensive exterior decking where the family loves to relax in summer, and the easy-care Tiger Turf which includes a four-hole chipping and putting green for aspiring golf masters and dames.
21A Bonnie Brae Road is a 218sqm home on a compact 490sqm section with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a double garage.
“The kitchen and living room are amazing with their high ceilings, and it’s such a sunny space with great airflow in summer,” says one of the homeowners.
John Lantz, of Ray White, Remuera, is marketing this much-admired home and expects plenty of interest.
He says that Meadowbank was undervalued for many years but is now coming into its own, as young professionals, many of whom previously lived in suburbs such as Ponsonby and Herne Bay, start their families and seek more space.
It’s also increasingly popular with middle-aged downsizers who still want to stay in the general vicinity of their previous larger properties.
“Meadowbank School is fantastic and you’re right near the train station, the Orakei Basin walkway and cycleway.”
The easy-care property is also zoned for Selwyn College and Remuera Intermediate.
- 21A Bonnie Brae Road in Meadowbank, Auckland, is for sale, auction on March 26
