In search of a home that would accommodate their active family, the current owners of 172 Orakei Road, in Remuera, say the pursuit was a short-lived one once they came across the well-known and elegant Remuera home that suited their sporty purposes down to a T.
The couple modernised the home in 2016 with a discerning eye and sensitive hand, which introduced modernity through colour palette, mod cons and a streamlined approach, while retaining all of the home’s worthy original farmhouse features, including the original farmhouse well.
“It was a big, grand house with so much history. Former owners had added bits on, so my work was to consolidate the home through design. We wanted to add some sophistication and modernity,” says the owner.
That was achieved with a collaboration with interior designer Vanessa McNaught. Ceilings were lifted, American oak timber floors were installed and flow was introduced, establishing a sense of uniformity throughout, and realising the sense of the ‘home working together’ that the owners set out to achieve.
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172 Orakei Road in Remuera, Auckland, is on the market for sale by deadline private treaty closing April 19. The property has a 2021 RV of $12.25 million with a 674sqm home on a 2176sqm section.
Keitha McLaren, of New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, is marketing the home with Patrick McAteer.
“This is a life-changing home for a generation. It’s enabled the family’s sporting excellence, producing champion swimmers and tennis players. The resort-like home will take a young family right until the children leave home, it’s an absolute delight,” she says.
The 674sqm home on a 2176sqm section has produced “champion swimmers and tennis players” says listing agent Keitha McLaren, of New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty. Photo / Supplied
The homeowners say their friends like to joke that the scullery in 172 Orakei Road is the size of most kitchens. Photo / Supplied
It’s difficult to determine where to start when describing a home of this calibre. From the outset, its peripheral gives you an indication of what’s promised inside.
With 2176sqm of impeccably maintained grounds, down a long and removed drive, the sprawling property holds a tennis court, pool and ample room left for gardens, parking and generous outdoor living.
Its position high on the Orakei Road ridge affords views across Remuera and Orakei and the bay.
The seamless and contemporary kitchen and dining area flow between one another and out onto a vast 16-metre loggia which runs the length of the home with Infratech heating and perfectly elevated, it immediately overlooks the pool, tennis court and water in the distance.
The home has five bedrooms, five bathrooms, garaging for five vehicles, multiple living spaces, a sauna, pool, spa, tennis court, and ample room for outdoor living. Photo / Supplied
With 2176sqm of impeccably maintained grounds down a long and removed drive, the property sits high on the Orakei Road ridge. Photo / Supplied
The kitchen is where the owner says the family entertain, dine, work and generally connect, helped by the clever position of the study at the kitchen’s edge.
“The space is a little bit of luxury with all the practicality,” adds the owner, whose friends joke that the scullery is the size of most kitchens. Certainly, it’s a comprehensive, practical and beautiful space in equal measure.
Along with immense water views, four of the five bedrooms are found upstairs, two of which incorporate ensuites.
Downstairs extends the perfect space for teenagers and guests, with a further bedroom alongside a kitchenette, lounge, Pilates studio, spa, sauna and additional bathroom.
“The way the home can open up for our friends and our children’s friends has been great. Its ability to host many people at once has been invaluable,” says the owner.
