This one-of-a-kind St Marys Bay sanctuary is not only a statement of architectural perfection and design ingenuity, it’s a special place that the owner has curated for himself and his family to enjoy.

“For me, a home is a haven. I have a reasonably high stress job, so it’s a place to recharge,” he says.

Over the past eight years he created a masterplan for this extraordinary residence, which is a reimagining of a previous architectural refurbishment. It’s been a labour of love and process of iteration to create what it is today, and he lived and breathed every aspect of the renovation.

“I wanted somewhere that was comfortable but beautiful as well. My focus was always on that refined elegance – I didn’t want it to be Gucci, I wanted it to be Tom Ford,” he says.

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“It was about doing something special and expressing myself in my own home. I studied architecture and I collaborated closely with an architect friend of mine – he predominately did all the design work and the detailing. We were inspired by Vincent Van Duysen, who is a very well-known international architect, and more locally, Fearon Hay.”

28 St Marys Road in St Marys Bay, Auckland, is for sale by auction on March 6. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $4.5 million, and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 2017 for $3.15m.

It’s safe to say that no element here is by accident and although the word bespoke is thrown around a lot these days, this is a truly tailored and exquisitely-refined living environment.

28 St Marys Road in St Marys Bay, Auckland

The winter garden upstairs has steel joinery and enjoys views of Chelsea Sugar Works, the Harbour Bridge and Rangitoto. Photo / Supplied

28 St Marys Road in St Marys Bay, Auckland

The homeowner says: “My focus was always on that refined elegance – I didn’t want it to be Gucci, I wanted it to be Tom Ford”. Photo / Supplied

“Everything has been crafted, considered and detailed. This has ensured consistency of design language and created a common dialogue between the spaces. All of the little details matter.”

Notable features include the downstairs bar that is clad in brass crafted by Saintleo, warm, textured Ambitec wall finishing throughout and a 4.3m solid Tundra island bench, which had to be craned in.

While the property is a peaceful retreat, it’s also the perfect destination for entertaining.

“I regularly host both work and personal events here, plus it also works really well for my family. It grows and contracts around you,” the owner says.

The idea of the island bench was to sit around it, rather than along it. “You can enjoy a casual family meal but you can also have 20 people over for a function.”

The immaculately-appointed kitchen also boasts a scullery and Gaggenau, Liebherr and Miele appliances. Somewhat unique in its layout, the home’s upper level enjoys the key living spaces, while the ground floor houses all the bedrooms.

“Upstairs there is a beautiful winter garden which has steel joinery and enjoys views of Chelsea Sugar Works, the Harbour Bridge and Rangitoto. You get that full vista,” the owner says.

28 St Marys Road in St Marys Bay, Auckland

The downstairs bar is clad in brass crafted by Saintleo, warm, textured Ambitec wall finishing throughout and a 4.3m solid Tundra island bench. Photo / Supplied

28 St Marys Road in St Marys Bay, Auckland

The idea of the island bench in the kitchen was to sit around it, rather than along it. Photo / Supplied

Filled with an abundance of natural light, this all-season space has floor-to-ceiling glass that can be opened right up for fresh air in summer but closed down in winter. It’s also equipped with a heater and an integrated barbecue.

“The layout works well when we’ve got friends over – the adults can be upstairs entertaining and the kids can be downstairs with their friends in the pool and living room. It gives you that perfect separation.”

Being downstairs, the bedrooms tend to be a lot cooler but are still full of light, and the master suite is particularly lovely, overlooking the pool.

“It opens out onto the backyard and has its own porch where you can enjoy a coffee in the morning sun,” he says. “It’s a very contemplative space, with the use of cream leather on the built-in bed and the brass-clad wardrobe behind. The bathroom is also understated but sophisticated in the use of finishes.”

The backyard is easily maintained and incredibly private, with no one looking in. “It gets all-day sun and the wall of planting creates a sense of calm when you’re looking out from the bedroom.”

The property also incorporates a new double-height garage that is fully wired for a vertical car stacker.

Bayleys agent Ed Pack says, “very rarely do you get homes that come up for sale that have been renovated to this high standard. It is so relevant in terms of its aesthetic and design, and its fixtures and fittings are so current for today and the way we live.

The location is also incredible. “You’re walking distance to Ponsonby Road and you don’t have to walk up a big hill – you’re right there.”

- 28 St Marys Road in St Marys Bay, Auckland, goes to auction on March 6