When Remuera real estate personalities Terry and Diana King bring one of their own homes to market, there’s always lots of interest, and their classic villa at 37 Bell Road, certainly won’t disappoint fans of the couple’s sophisticated, yet always slightly avant-garde style.
Famed for their attention to detail, over three years, the pair have completely rebuilt this home, which was originally constructed in the 1880s.
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“There are couple of original windows, but absolutely every single other aspect is brand new, from the piles up,” says Terry, when we meet on the street where he’s giving the ‘for sale’ sign on the fence a quick polish.
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The magic hits when we step inside the security gate, and down a few steps - straight into the outdoor living area, where lights hang in the branches, a fountain gently burbles, fruit trees flourish and the plants are lush and green, even in autumn.
There are lots of sunny spaces for sitting, plus a small but perfectly formed pool and a couple of striking black pagodas, one of which is the pool house. Strains of Pavarotti ring out from outdoor speakers in this peaceful, private garden with its very own temperate micro-climate.
“I just love listening to opera when I’m gardening,” says Diana.
Via the romantic return veranda is the front door and sunny welcoming lobby with its dramatic chandelier - one of many in the house. This one was imported from Italy.
To the right is the combined kitchen and dining room, and here this particular King project signature Chinoiserie wallpaper makes its first appearance, in shades of turquoise and gold.
Diana, an accomplished cook, has chosen only the best, high-quality Miele appliances, many of them integrated seamlessly, behind elegant joinery.
The space is roomy, yet intimate, and works well for entertaining because guests can enjoy themselves at the dining table, while Diana does her culinary magic at the enormous island bench.
Across the hallway is a formal lounge where the Chinoiserie theme features again on the windows - in the form of long, luxurious drapes and on the walls – in black-toned, patterned wallpaper.
This deluxe room, with its glamorous fireplace, is the perfect setting for Terry’s fabulous finds. He’s well-known at local auction houses where he scopes out antique treasures. When he can’t locate what he wants, he looks overseas.
Beyond the lounge is the library, with black walls and built-in shelving. I enquire as to whether Terry wears a smoking jacket and embroidered slippers, while musician Diana plays the grand piano in the evenings, and he winks at me.
I think that might be a ‘yes’!
Also, on this floor is a sunny bedroom, currently used as a third living area. It features the same wallpaper again, but in a glorious, rich, orange-based combination of colours this time.
The main bathroom has large marble tiles, plus a stone bath and basin. The tapware is classic art-deco style, and there’s plenty of room to relax and rejuvenate.
Downstairs, the laundry is cleverly designed, with potential to double as a small kitchenette, and the bedroom, with pretty courtyard views, has its own marble bathroom. This part of the house could be semi-self-contained.
Needless to say, the master suite upstairs is the epitome of cool, with a classic, American Ralph Lauren kind of vibe. The adjoining dressing room with its endless storage space behind mirrored French doors is the ultimate in Hollywood glamour. It could be repurposed as a fourth bedroom if new owners wished to do so – but I certainly wouldn’t. Meanwhile yet another marble bathroom has loads of storage space!
By now I’m loving the house so much that I never want to leave, and I even ask the Kings if they would consider adopting me.
It’s delightful to experience a dwelling that’s had so much love and passion poured into it, and while it’s gloriously over-the-top on one hand, it’s still very liveable indeed on the other.
Terry and Diana think that it will appeal especially to local downsizers who still want a true character home, but without the worry of maintenance – plus the addition of a smart double garage.
“It’s essentially brand new, with a 25-year Master Build guarantee,” says Terry, “So you can have it all!”
Find out more about 37 Bell Road, Remuera, here.
