Rick and Lorraine Webber’s search criteria was exact when they decided to move to Auckland some 10 years ago.
Their new home had to be central, low maintenance, somewhat unique and a worthy investment – a tall order, but one that was fulfilled upon finding 66 Victoria Avenue in Remuera.
“We had been searching for quite a long time, once we saw the property, it instantly captured our imagination,” describes Rick. “The home offered us huge potential and the Simon Carnachan design struck us as remarkable.”
The first task, Rick says, was tackling the landscaping. Fortunate then that Lorraine is a skilled and enthusiastic gardener, and immediately set about transforming the garden.
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The result was a verdant, lush and easy to care for mix of tropical palms merged with bromeliads, ligularia and strelitzia, producing a year-round display. The garden, accompanied by the birdsong of tui and wood pigeons from the neighbouring reserve, has generated an idyllic space that is one of the most loved aspects of their home.
66 Victoria Avenue in Remuera is one of four Carnachan designed homes in the immediate area, but it’s arguably one of the architect’s best.
The property is on the market for sale by auction on September 13. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $5.9 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 2015 for $2.95m.
The house is tucked away from the street and entry is through a bridged walkway surrounded by a verdant, lush and easy to care garden. Photo / Supplied
There are four bedrooms, three bathrooms and multiple living spaces. Photo / Supplied
Entered through a bridged walkway and tucked away from the street, the home was built perfectly for its site. Set within dense and green surrounds, the black house with white contrasts, a gabled roof and plenty of glass strikes a balance between its character and contemporary elements.
The kitchen is fronted by glass panels that stretch from the benchtops to the ceiling and bi-fold windows open on to the lengthy wrap around deck. On either side, the dining and lounge areas gain access to the entertaining deck through timber French doors.
“The deck would have to be my favourite area of the home. Facing west, with two seated areas covered with retractable awnings, it’s created another two rooms to the home. We’ve had Christmases and celebrations there, we’ve made the absolute most of it,” says Rick.
The black house with white contrasts, a gabled roof and plenty of glass strikes a balance between its character and contemporary elements. Photo / Supplied
The kitchen is fronted by glass panels that stretch from the benchtops to the ceiling and bi-fold windows open on to the lengthy wrap around deck. Photo / Supplied
Upstairs, three of the home’s four bedrooms are found, along with an office and the two remaining bathrooms. The fourth bedroom, ideal for guests, is separated on the ground floor. The home in its entirety offers plenty of opportunity for socialising and retreat in equal measure. Similarly, the mix of low, high and gabled ceilings throughout produce a superb blend of cosiness and space.
New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty agent Lesley McLellan, who is marketing the property, emphasises the home’s doubtless appeal to a broad range of buyers.
“It’s the ideal property for families with teens, or couples not yet ready for an apartment. The architectural provenance of the home is incredible and will gain a lot of attention from Simon Carnachan enthusiasts.”
