When the current owners of 9 Keith Avenue, in Remuera, bought their much-loved, north-facing family home 26 years ago, it had been owned by a pair of sisters since the mid-1920s and was decidedly dilapidated.
“It was so run-down I had to work there after work each night and at weekends for four months before my wife would even consider moving in,” he laughs.
“Luckily, I’m a keen handyman with an eye for a good finish and I was ready to make the effort.”
More than a quarter of a century later the house could not possibly present more differently, with the owners having poured lots of love and a good deal of money into it.
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The owner says that the first very major change involved moving the kitchen from the back of the house to the front, in order to take full advantage of the views.
“We believe that we are possibly on the highest knoll in Remuera, which means we have a sweeping vista from One Tree Hill to Rangitoto.”
Over time, two bedrooms became three, then four, and around 12 years in, the couple carved out a useable area under the house, extending at the front, and putting a garage in.
The first major change the homeowners did was to move the kitchen from the back of the house to the front to take full advantage of the views.
Over time, two bedrooms became three, then four, and around 12 years in, the couple carved out a useable area under the house, extending at the front, and putting a garage in.
“We also developed the rear as an entertaining area – with a barbecue pavilion and outdoor fire. I did all the landscaping myself, which was easy because it’s such a level site, despite being on the hill,” the owner says.
At the same time, he and his wife engaged well-regarded designer Natalie Du Bois to update their kitchen, which she did – with significant panache. Ultra-cool and contemporary, it enjoys what the owner describes as “electric everything”, in terms of doors opening and closing and cutting-edge lighting, teamed with top-notch appliances and seemingly endless bench space.
The whole area looks and feels very spacious, with an airy, open vibe.
With the well-appointed master suite plus two further bedrooms and a family bathroom also situated on the main level, downstairs offers a host of amenities too – including a laundry within the huge garage, a bedroom, bathroom, rumpus or media room and a wine cellar.
The elevation of the property means there are sweeping views from One Tree Hill to Rangitoto.
With a floorplan of 346sqm on 729sqm of land, the home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and garaging for two vehicles, with a manageable backyard and outdoor area for entertaining.
The owner says that his love of fine detail has extended to the chimneys and flashings – all of which are copper.
With their two daughters now grown up and independent, the owners are looking to downsize in Auckland in order to spend more time at their Whangamata property.
“Our girls went to the local schools and were very happy there so now it feels like the right time for another family to take our place.”
He says that they are going to miss their quiet cul-de-sac, where the neighbours are friendly and there’s plenty of off-street parking.
Steve Koerber, from Ray White, who is marketing the property with Nila Koerber, says that there is no shortage of space – or storage, in this substantial home.
“It’s a top-quality property in a sought-after spot, just below the top of the ridge. Properties around here are tightly held so this is a very rare opportunity to buy at an affordable price.”
- 9 Keith Avenue in Remuera, Auckland, goes to auction on September 25
