Having lived internationally in San Francisco and Sydney, Duncan and Susie returned to New Zealand in 2008 in order for their three young sons to enjoy a classic kiwi childhood, and as they walked up the long driveway at 161 Orakei Road, they knew immediately that this was the place.
“As a family we were used to tight urban settings, so this presented as a wonderful private oasis – it was everything we were looking for, and with one son keen on tennis, the tennis court was attractive while the lawn soon became a bike park, rugby field and a cricket pitch,” says Duncan.
He explains that he and Susie had the kitchen and deck moved forward to put in another bedroom which meant their sons all had similar-sized spaces and the couple also added an impressive wine cellar as well as two new rooms upstairs: a study and a dedicated media and playroom.
“It was quite a significant project and a good exercise for an old house because we renewed everything as we went, and also upgraded the landscaping.”
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Also remodelled during the process were the boys’ bathroom and the ensuite he and Susie share in their master suite.
“We also put in a new Poliform kitchen with the help of Kitchen Italia and we’ve been thrilled at how timeless it’s proved to be. So, yes, I guess we’ve done quite a lot, but we didn’t need to touch the self-contained guest accommodation, which has a kitchen and bathroom.
During a renovation of the property, the current owners had the kitchen and deck moved forward to put in another bedroom.
The 420sqm home on its 2294sqm site has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a double garaging, swimming pool and tennis court.
“It’s been fantastic for friends and family visiting because they have their own separate area and privacy.”
The couple added a pool and spa around 2013, which completed their dream property and has provided hours and hours of fun for the boys and their friends.
With only one son still at home and a newly completed house in Wanaka proving to be an absolute magnet, Duncan and Susie have decided that their Auckland property is simply too large – and too-often under-utilised.
As so often happens in tight-knit communities like Remuera, the agents who marketed the house originally are back to do it again.
The owners added a pool and spa around 2013, which completed their dream property and has provided hours and hours of fun for their sons and their friends.
The agents who marketed the property originally to the current owners are back to sell it again.
Gary, Vicki, and now Andrew Wallace too, are confident that this classic and carefully maintained property will soon have another young family enjoying its considerable charms.
“It’s always lovely to see a property that offers such a lot for families and it’s in a prime spot with the Orakei Basin nearby for nature walks, great schools and a short commute to the city. With the heated pool and tennis court, everyone can enjoy their favourite activities all year round.”
Meanwhile, Duncan and Susie say they are going to miss the incredible sense of space and peace they’ve come to know in the 420sqm home on its huge 2294sqm site, so close to the heart of Remuera, yet so seemingly far removed.
- 161 Orakei Road in Remuera, Auckland, is for sale by a set date
