When Renee Jacobsen and her husband Barry Woolcott first laid eyes on 434 Riddell Road in Glendowie, Auckland, all they saw was potential.
“We bought this property because we loved the area and the section had a lot of potential,” recalls Renee. “But the slope was challenging, and the house wasn’t positioned well. We did some minor renovations so we could move in and start our family, but the plan was always to develop the section.”
After deliberating over whether they should continue down the renovation route or do a total rebuild, the pair decided to bite the bullet and start from scratch. The result is an exceptional family home that effortlessly blends style with function.
Designed by architects Young and Richards, the home is comprised of three pavilions with a guest suite, laundry and garage on the ground level, an expansive living space including two distinct lounges in the centre, and four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a kids’ retreat upstairs.
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The rebuild brief centred on two priorities, the first being effortless indoor/outdoor living. Every living space spills outside through floor-to-ceiling sliders and when they’re all open there’s virtually no distinction between inside and out.
The second priority was to maximise the view potential. “We wanted to catch a glimpse of the sea, so we decided to go up. The bedrooms are upstairs and enjoy views towards the water and Rangitoto Island which is wonderful to wake up to every day.”
Downstairs, you’d have no idea you’re in the heart of suburbia.
Designed by architects Young and Richards, the home is comprised of three pavilions with a guest suite, laundry and garage on the ground level, an expansive living space in the centre, and four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a kids’ retreat upstairs.
Homeowner Renee Jacobsen: “It will be tough leaving this home that we’ve poured so much heart and soul into but knowing that we’re not leaving the area makes it much easier.”
“We designed the outlook from the living level to be incredibly private and green – like a sanctuary away from the busyness of life. Wherever you are, all you can see is the green of the garden or the blue of the pool. It’s a very calming and peaceful space.”
Multiple living spaces make family living easy through different ages and stages.
“One of the lounges downstairs used to be the designated playroom so we didn’t have kids’ toys all over the house, but as the kids have gotten older those spaces have evolved.”
Multiple bathrooms make living with three teenage and pre-teen girls easier too.
“We already had two daughters when we were designing the home and when I fell pregnant with our third girl, I just knew bathrooms would be in high demand.”
434 Riddell Road, in Glendowie, is on the market for sale by auction on September 26. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom property has a 2021 CV of $4.1 million and, according to OneRoof data, the property last changed hands in 2008 for $645,000.
Multiple living spaces make family living easy through different ages and stages.
Homeowner Renee Jacobsen: “Wherever you are, all you can see is the green of the garden or the blue of the pool. It’s a very calming and peaceful space.”
Ray White agents John Campbell and Jane Horgan say there is very little on the market that compares to 434 Riddell Road.
“This home is something truly special. From the moment you walk in, you’ll be blown away by just how effortlessly stylish and thought out the design is.
“Couple that with the premium location and proximity to local delights like St Heliers Beach, Glover Park, Karaka Bay, and Churchill Park, plus the easy trip into town for work, you can’t beat this property.”
Now, Renee and her family are ready for another adventure … but they’re not ready to leave Riddell Road.
“Ironically, we’re literally moving across the road. We weren’t planning on moving – we built this as our forever home – but when this opportunity came up we just couldn’t say no.
“It will be tough leaving this home that we’ve poured so much heart and soul into but knowing that we’re not leaving the area makes it much easier.”
- Sponsored by Ray White
