The beauty of this often-admired landmark estate, says Bayleys agent Lawrence Liew, “is that it offers the proportions of Whitford living, but you’re just a short walk from Macleans College and are nestled right at the heart of Bucklands Beach”.
Spanning an extraordinary 8094sqm of park-like grounds in this unique suburban setting, Liew says there are very few properties of this size in Mellons Bay or the eastern suburbs and that buyers would usually need to move much further out to experience this kind of scale and privacy.
Set on a rise just one over from Macleans Park, the grand and stately English country manor-style residence offers 600sqm of family living and cascades down the slope over three expansive levels. This elevation showcases views over the tennis court and swimming pool below, then out across the Hauraki Gulf to Rangitoto and Auckland City.
122 Macleans Road in Bucklands Beach, Manukau, is on the market for sale by tender closing June 6. The six-bedroom, six-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $9.6 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 2015 for $8.03m.
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The home has been cherished and meticulously cared for by its custodians over the decades. It was originally crafted in the 1950s as a farmhouse, and when its then owners undertook some alterations and enlarged it in 1987, they discovered it was built to English specifications using double bricks.
To comply with local building regulations, they took three years to pull it apart, brick by brick, and then put it back together again. The original front wall was removed as a way of matching the bricks, and several thousand new bricks were made to match to ensure that the house retained its special old-world character.
When the next owners arrived in the early 2000s, they developed and landscaped the grounds to reflect the elegance of the home, planting out the property with deciduous maples, magnolias, clematis and roses. It was these magnificent gardens that caught the eye of the current owners, who purchased the property in 2015.
The grand English country manor-style residence offers 600sqm of family living and cascades down the slope over three levels. Photo / Supplied
Spanning 8094sqm of park-like grounds, Bayleys agent Lawrence Liew says there are very few properties of this size in Mellons Bay or the eastern suburbs. Photo / Supplied
As one of them shares, “for me, a passionate gardener, the real magic awaited in the embrace of the garden”.
“With each step, I revelled in the clever arrangement of plants – a testament to the meticulous care and thought that had gone into its creation. Our time here has been a symphony of changing seasons, sun-kissed days and meaningful connections, including moments shared with the previous owner, whose dedication shaped the garden’s beauty over decades.
“We know there is love behind every bloom and every corner here.”
As for the house itself, “we’ve replaced most doors and windows and changed carpets, but we’ve always maintained the home’s unique design and original character”.
This includes incorporating double glazing in many areas. On the mid-level, the kitchen and a series of vast formal and informal living spaces flow out to the north-facing terrace. There is also a guest bedroom on this level, as well as a powder room and full bathroom.
The staircase leads to three bedrooms upstairs, each with their own ensuite, and views best enjoyed from the central balcony. Photo / Supplied
The back of the sprawling home looks out to a flat lawn, a swimming pool and lush greenery. Photo / Supplied
The ground floor boasts a wide open entertaining area, which has served a space for many large functions and celebrations over the years. It flows out to the patio and is serviced by a kitchen and wine cellar, and warmed by an open fire. Several storage rooms, a powder room and a laundry area complete this level.
Upstairs, three bedrooms each have their own ensuites and savour elevated views, which are best enjoyed from the central balcony. Additional accommodation is provided by the loft above the mudroom and the self-contained cottage. This offers handy options for extended family accommodation, teenagers or live-in staff.
Along with Macleans College, which is just a 10-minute walk away, 122 Macleans Road is in zone for Mellons Bay Primary and Bucklands Beach Intermediate.
Beautiful eastern beaches are a short drive away, as are Howick Village and Half Moon Bay Marina. As well as a magnificent family retreat, this property also boats undeniable potential for development, now and in the future.
“It would be perfect for someone who loves the house, but wants to landbank it,” says Liew, who is marketing it with colleague Wendy Wu.
- 122 Macleans Road in Bucklands Beach, Manukau, is for sale by tender closing June 6
