After being owned and operated as a rental by his parents, for 30 years, this property was sold to the current owner and his wife in 2015 and they carefully considered whether to renovate the existing home or demolish it and start again.
Eventually, they opted for the latter, which turned out to be the right choice because after 13-14 months work by dedicated, expert tradespeople who were keen to showcase their skills, the result at 10 Richard Street in Westmere is simply spectacular.
“The new home has a traditional-style exterior, completely recreated using low-maintenance modern materials, so it fits in perfectly with the other homes in the street,” the owner says.
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The main living, dining and kitchen zone is huge and harmonious in terms of both aesthetic and practicality. Photo / Supplied
It lies on a completely level 528sqm section, thanks to the removal of 80 truckloads of dirt.
“We felt that this was necessary for the house to flow perfectly onto the deck, which has a louvre roof and heaters, then beyond to the lawn.”
With the 296sqm house set over two levels, the main living, dining and kitchen zone is huge and harmonious in terms of both aesthetic and practicality.
The kitchen is very much focused on serious cooking and entertaining – with a generous scullery and two Miele ovens, along with loads of bench space and storage.
The house lies on a completely level 528sqm section, thanks to the removal of 80 truckloads of dirt. Photo / Supplied
The marble splashback is smart and contemporary, as is everything else on this level, including the separate laundry, spacious shower room, a bedroom and an additional living-cum-media room, complete with projector screen.
Additionally, a secure double garage is internally accessed.
“It’s all worked perfectly for us as a family,” the owner says.
Upstairs, the master suite has an elegant ensuite and a giant wardrobe, while three further bedrooms share the classic, fully tiled, family bathroom.
The kitchen is very much focused on serious cooking and entertaining. Photo / Supplied
Also, amongst the home’s standout features, are six heat pumps for warmth and cooling, as necessary, and there’s potential for installing a pool in the garden – which has a easy-to-use irrigation system.
When they commenced this major project, the owners and their children intended to stay forever, but an unmissable opportunity has come up, elsewhere and they’ve made a difficult decision to sell their dream home.
“Every aspect of this property was bespoke, just for us, but we hope someone else will love it. We’ll miss the lovely neighbours and the quiet cul-de-sac where our children have been able to race around the street safely.”
The owner says that it’s been great having Westmere’s shops, cafes and legendary butcher just a short walk away and the home is in zone for popular Westmere Primary School.
The deck at 10 Richard Street has a louvre roof and heaters, and beyond that is the lawn. Photo / Supplied
Derek Von Sturmer, of Ray White Ponsonby, knows how hard it was for the owners to put their much-loved property on the market, but he has no doubt whatsoever that it’s going to be snapped up by an eager house-hunter.
Von Sturmer and colleague Jackson Tariau are marketing this property.
“We always have a long list of buyers looking for properties of this calibre and quality in Westmere,” he says.
10 Richard Street in Westmere, Auckland will be sold at auction on December 14.
