The current owners purchased this one-of-a-kind Auckland property two years ago and were utterly captivated by its uniqueness and authenticity.

“There’s only one in New Zealand. If you want another house like this, you’ll need to move to Japan,” one of them shares.

The four-bedroom Remuera residence is a homage to the Land of the Rising Sun – a reproduction of a classic Japanese Sukiya-style house, enveloped within exquisitely landscaped, traditional gardens.

It was a passion project for its original owners, the Rive family, who enjoyed long-term ties with Japan and a true appreciation of the culture. They sold it to the current owners, who also share a special affiliation with the country.

Start your property search

Find your dream home today.
Search

During that sales campaign, some 600 people attended the open homes over a four-week period and it was the most searched property on OneRoof during that time.

Building the house was a lifelong passion for Robin Rive, a physio by profession who had side businesses in fashion and then making and exporting teddy bears – primarily to Japan.

In fact, Robin and her husband came to know the country and customs so well that for a while they ran Japanese etiquette classes in the house for businesspeople exploring the newly booming export market there in the 1980s.

65A Portland Road in Remuera, Auckland

The Remuera residence is a reproduction of a classic Japanese Sukiya-style house, enveloped within exquisitely landscaped, traditional gardens. Photo / Supplied

65A Portland Road in Remuera, Auckland

The 321sqm home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and four-car garaging. Photo / Supplied

After years of research they enlisted big name architect Robert Railley to design the house, with the painstaking build taking two-and-a-half years and completed in 1987.

As is done in the traditional Sukiya (a simple 16th century farmhouse) style, the house is crafted entirely from timber, with clay walls.

These natural materials are intended to harmonise with their surroundings and create a rustic, refined simplicity.

Great attention is also paid to details and proportions, which is evident in the expansive 378sqm floor plan and additional 227sqm of outdoor living.

“It’s warm in winter and cool in summer and so private – it’s a hidden gem in the centre of Auckland. It’s a great place to meditate and do yoga.”

65A Portland Road in Remuera, Auckland

All rooms have high ceilings to enhance the sense of space and walls of glass to bring the outside in. Photo / Supplied

65A Portland Road in Remuera, Auckland

Central heating, smart kitchen appliances and wool carpets are the very few modern touches that deviate from the original style. Photo / Supplied

All rooms have high ceilings to enhance the sense of space and walls of glass to bring the outside in.

The two-level floor plan incorporates four bedrooms serviced by two bathrooms (including a master ensuite and main bathroom with onsen-style stone soaking tub), as well as a rumpus, study and open-plan lounge and dining.

Central heating, smart kitchen appliances and wool carpets – as opposed to tatami mats – are the very few modern touches that deviate from the original style.

North-facing decks are cantilevered over the pool, which is framed with rocks so large they had to be craned in.

“We love the wooden structure and the totally authentic Japanese garden. Many of the trees are directly imported from Japan.”

The mature grounds feature azaleas, Japanese black pines and ferns and boxwood.

65A Portland Road in Remuera, Auckland

North-facing decks are cantilevered over the pool, which is framed with rocks so large they had to be craned in. Photo / Supplied

65A Portland Road in Remuera, Auckland

The current owners bought it in 2023. During that sales campaign, 600 people attended the open homes and it was the most searched property on OneRoof at that time. Photo / Supplied

Caleb Rufer, from Ray White, says that this tranquil Zen retreat is completely unique and that even in Japan, the style is becoming increasingly rare.

He also says that it would not only make a beautiful home but a place where business options can be explored – wellness, mindfulness or yoga retreats, for example.

Some work is required to bring it back to its original splendour.

“It needs someone who appreciates the architecture and is willing to bring it back to its original glory. It hasn’t had anything done to it since 1987, so it’s a chance for someone to refresh and restore the details.

“The vendors had had visions of doing this but have since had a child and are planning to move to Australia. You’re surrounded by other amazing homes and in all the school zones.”

65A Portland Road in Remuera, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on April 23.

- Sponsored by Ray White