This 2830sqm Remuera estate is on the market for the first time in 47 years and is a beloved family home, as well as a much-admired local landmark.
Savouring an illustrious northern slopes position, the original 1920s bungalow has been expanded and updated over time and is enveloped within park-like gardens, lush lawns, a pool, tennis court and native bush. This is a unique, captivating and undeniably tranquil hideaway at the heart of the city.
48 Waiatarua Road in Remuera, Auckland, is for sale by auction on December 6. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $5 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 1988 for $400,000.
“It has been such a privilege and an incredible journey to live here. It’s been more than just a home, it is a cherished chapter of my life,” says the owner.
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After returning home from living in Australia, a call from the real estate agent on a Sunday and a chance viewing marked the start of the journey.
“We walked in the gate and said, ‘we’re going to buy this’. We didn’t even look at the house.”
It was the original market garden in the area and was shelter-built with bamboo and overrun with bramble, but they saw the extraordinary potential in the position and perfectly north-facing land.
“We levelled it all off and took out the bamboo by hand, then we replanted and put in a pool the first year,” she says.
Ray White agent Steve Koerber says the new owners will either renovate the home extensively or build a new one. Photo / Supplied
The original 1920s bungalow has been expanded and updated, and is enveloped within gardens, native bush, a pool and tennis court on 2830sqm of land. Photo / Supplied
The tennis court was installed not long after and was just the second Tiger Turf court in the country.
“We put it down ourselves with the guidance of my brother, who founded Tiger Turf. There were about five weekends where we had our friends around and we shovelled two tonnes of sand and had lots of fun.”
Then their three kids came along, who were able to enjoy endless fun outdoors over the years.
“A great joy was watching my children grow up in this wonderful environment, learning to swim, play tennis, rugby and hockey, and creating lasting memories with their friends, cousins and pets. The natural bush and creek at the base of the section also became their extended playground – a place to explore, learn and develop their love of nature,” she recalls.
The grounds remain a haven for birdlife. “Pigeons, tui, sparrow, thrush, doves, waxeyes, fantails, rosella and kingfishers all either call this their home or playground.”
As the family grew, the quaint original homestead was added onto and tastefully modernised over the decades. It enjoys all-day sun and an easy connection to the outdoor living, as well as light, bright and open spaces. The 223sqm floorplan offers four bedrooms serviced by two bathrooms.
The Remuera home with a floor space of 223sqm has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Photo / Supplied
The owners say they were the second in the country to install a Tiger Turf court. Photo / Supplied
The serenity and privacy is something the owner is going to miss, especially after a long and busy day working in the city. The beauty of this neighbourhood is that it is still so connected and convenient, making it ideal for family life.
“A unique feature has been the happy sounds of children at play in the Meadowbank School grounds so close across the valley, a comforting reminder of the community that thrives around me. I walk down to the Orakei Basin and around again with my dogs as many days as I can. The train station is down there and the shops aren’t far away. It’s a lovely lifestyle.”
Ray White agent Steve Koerber, who is marketing the property with wife Nila, says he’s thoroughly enjoyed the wonder on the faces of everyone he’s had through so far.
“People walk down the driveway and think it’s going to be a little old house on a big site but it really grabs people. It’s because of the aspect and the way it sits, perched perfectly with a beautiful outlook.”
He thinks the buyer will be a family that will spend 20 years or more here.
“They’ll either renovate the house quite extensively or perhaps build a new one. A lot of the community know the property and know the family. This is a serious sale, they’re not just going to hang out for any particular high price, it’s going to sell,” Koerber says.
- 48 Waiatarua Road in Remuera, Auckland, goes to auction on December 6
