Owners James and Jan were attracted to this home for its location, privacy and security, aware that something differentiated it from most properties at the prestigious top end of Arney Road.
James says: “It is one of the few properties on the top end of Arney Road that has less than 1000sqm of land. The section was subdivided in the late 1950s from the front grounds of the stately home at number 16A – and at 607sqm it has been an ideal size for us.”
James was busy with his business 23 years ago. So his household, which included young teenagers back then, wanted somewhere that suited them but was not so large that it took too much time to maintain.
Being nestled behind high fencing delivered privacy and security. The convenience of a double Grammar-zoned location near many private schools appealed, three minutes’ drive to both Newmarket and Remuera Village and easy to get to university from.
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The white, two-storey weatherboard home was built in the late 50s but it doesn’t strongly reflect that.
James doesn’t want to overstate its grandness but says: “A lot of people say it looks like a scaled-down version of the White House.”
Its internal-access double garage is fronted by off-street parking. Visitors entering via its pedestrian gate will find the 277sqm home faces north-east, delivering some lovely views over the harbour, including from the upstairs master bedroom.
The 277sqm home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and double garaging. Photo / Supplied
One of the homeowners doesn’t want to overstate its grandness but says: “A lot of people say it looks like a scaled-down version of the White House.” Photo / Supplied
Jan says: “I never tire of watching the cruise liners and yachts on the harbour.”
Its front garden teams flat lawn, where their grandchildren now play, with varying heights of manicured hedgerow plants. There’s a smooth putting green within Tiger Turf around the back.
The wide, tiled front porch features attractive pillars supporting the wide balcony above. There are multiple living areas, inside and outside.
A sizeable family room opens to a patio with remote controlled louvre roof. The living room opens to the wide front patio while a separate dining room flows out to a rear deck with retractable awning.
James says: “We love having the sunrise into our bedroom and then enjoy breakfast in the front veranda area. Then in the afternoon and evening, the sun comes around into the dining room and back deck.”
A new kitchen was one of the first things they installed after moving in and bathrooms have been renovated.
James says having distinct rooms suited their lifestyle, and they were loath to interfere with ornate plaster cornices by knocking down walls.
A new kitchen was one of the first things the owners installed after moving in. Photo / Supplied
Beautifully manicured hedgerow plants grace the front of the home with a putting green around the back all contained in a 607sqm section. Photo / Supplied
However, the layout suggests creating an open-plan expanse would be possible if desired. There is also a large foyer and powder room on this level.
All four bedrooms plus two bathrooms are upstairs. This includes the ensuited master with walk-through wardrobe culminating in a compact office area.
James has enjoyed doing woodwork projects in the former basement garage, now a workshop and storage area which accommodates his six-foot (1.83 metres) height. He’s prided himself on maintaining the house well. This home has many treasured memories from family events, engagement parties and wedding gatherings as well as hosting many business clients.
Now the couple are retired they’ve purchased a smaller home nearby to stay close to family and plan to spend more time at their beach house.
Ray White agent Steen Nielsen says: “16 Arney Road blends timeless elegance, privacy, views and premium location.
“A rare sanctuary, offering refined living, lush gardens, and exceptional charm – truly one of the suburb’s finest homes in this price range.”
- 16 Arney Road in Remuera, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on April 9
