“Our initial reaction when we first saw this house was to say that we couldn’t afford it,” says Anthony, who purchased the historic 1900s weatherboard property in Remuera’s popular Portland Road in 2017, with his wife Janette.
“It was certainly in poor condition, yet we could see the potential, so we decided to simply make it happen, and our intention was never to sell – after we’d turned it into the perfect family home. We really loved the fact that it was so solid and steeped in character.”
Anthony says that he and Janette lived in the property – which is far larger than it appears from the street – for several years with their three sons before renovations finally got underway, using high-quality materials throughout.
Janette is especially proud of what they eventually achieved, describing it as a true labour of love. “It stands as a testament to craftsmanship, seamlessly blending timeless design with modern comforts,” she says.
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54 Portland Road in Remuera, Auckland, is on the market for sale by a set date closing September 7. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $2.475 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 2017 for $2.11m.
A career opportunity out of Auckland has seen the family changing their plans and Anthony regrets that he never had the chance to actually live in the home once renovations were complete.
“But all the hard work has certainly been done here and another family can simply walk in and enjoy a turnkey offering.”
The house is bigger than what it appears from the street with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a carport for two vehicles on 842sqm of land. Photo / Supplied
Meanwhile, Anthony believes that owning a heritage home makes people like himself and Janette “custodians”, tasked with honouring its history.
They have repolished the original timber flooring, recarpeted, repainted and added in elegant inbuilt shelving on the second floor, with its elegant entrance and hallway and the first bedroom and bathroom adjacent.
The kitchen is bright, cool and contemporary with quality appliances while the surrounding open-plan dining room and lounge area is extensive and roomy, and enjoys a wraparound balcony and easy access to the swimming pool.
Janette says that the layout on this level offers versatile spaces that perfectly accommodate intimate evenings around the breakfast bar or vibrant parties at the poolside.
The owners repolished the original timber flooring, recarpeted, repainted and added in elegant inbuilt shelving on the second floor. Photo / Supplied
The property is perfectly positioned for top private schools and in zone for Remuera primary and intermediate, Epsom Girls Grammar and Auckland Grammar. Photo / Supplied
Upstairs, three bedrooms include the master suite which enjoys an ensuite and large wardrobes while the other two share the family bathroom. In addition, there’s a spacious, sunny sitting room on this level.
When the couple’s boys were teenagers there were always plenty of areas for them to escape from their parents. “Or for us to escape from them,” says Anthony.
Listing agent Ryan Dixon, of Ray White Remuera, says that there’s always considerable excitement when a home of this quality comes to market on the suburb’s “blue ribbon” northern slopes and ridgeline, especially at the moment, with stock scarce and demand still robust.
“Buyers appreciate the understated elegance of the vendors’ renovations and there’s still scope for adding the new owner’s personal touch.”
He says the property is perfectly positioned for top private schools, including Kings, and is in zone for Remuera Primary, Remuera Intermediate, Epsom Girls Grammar and Auckland Grammar.
Motorway access is convenient too, and Newmarket, Parnell and Remuera Village are easily reached for shopping and dining.
