In a rebuild and general renovation which took two years, the current owners have brought this classic villa at 20 Arney Road in Remuera right into the 21st century – embracing and including its original character elements while adding in modern comforts across a giant 495sqm floor area.
Reached via security gates, the house offers a grand entrance with soaring ceilings and a wide gallery-style hallway leads to a remarkable set of living spaces which include a large open-plan breakfast nook, family room and kitchen area – the latter further enhanced by a separate walk-in pantry, quality appliances and loads of room for friends and family to congregate.
Built in the early 1900s and rebuilt by the current homeowners, 20 Arney Road has four bedrooms and five bathrooms. Photo / Supplied
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A separate, formal lounge, and formal dining are complemented by a light-filled corner sunroom.
Also on this floor is the elegant main bedroom with its huge leadlight windows, walk-in closet and cool, contemporary ensuite.
The current owners’ brief to their architect around this part of the house was to maximise views to the city, Hauraki Gulf and beyond – in fact, as far away as the Coromandel, and a huge stepped-up loggia does just that.
The current homeowners’ brief to their architect was to maximise views to the city, Hauraki Gulf and beyond. Photo / Supplied
An open wood burning fire with gas ignition, plus plenty of space to rest and relax provides yet more living space in a home that seems to keep on giving.
Three further superbly appointed bedrooms – each with an ensuite, and a large recreation room plus an enormous separate laundry make up the rest of the residence. The recreation room opens to the generous deck and a heated swimming pool.
Leila MacDonald, of Barfoot & Thompson, Remuera, is renowned for her stellar record, selling some of New Zealand’s most valuable real estate and says that although she’s seen many ultra-luxurious homes during her years in the business, 20 Arney Road is in a class of its own.
A separate, formal lounge and formal dining are complemented by a light-filled corner sunroom. Photo / Supplied
“Essentially there is nothing left from the previous house – every door and window is new – while recycling the original materials which include 5000-year-old swamp kauri, so it’s kauri out, and kauri in,” MacDonald says.
She says that the house is situated on what is quite possibly the best site in Remuera.
“The elevation is incredible, and the views are so vast.”
Arney Road lies in the sought-after double Grammar zone and enjoys easy access to Remuera Village. Photo / Supplied
MacDonald, who is marketing this property along with David MacDonald, feels that it’s a perfect home for families.
“When the weather’s not so good, children can ride their trikes around the loggia, you just need to pull the shutters closed and when it’s fine, the deck and swimming pool are a huge attraction,” she says.
MacDonald says that three-car garaging, plenty of off-street parking and landscaped grounds complete the package so perfectly, the new owner won’t need to lift a finger.
On a fine day, the deck and heated swimming pool are a huge family attraction. Photo / Supplied
The current owners have enjoyed the process of transforming their historic home and are now turning their sights to their South Island property.
Arney Road lies in the sought-after double Grammar zone and enjoys easy access to Remuera Village and the glitzy Westfield 277 shopping complex at nearby Newmarket.
20 Arney Road in Remuera, Auckland will be sold via tender which closes April 7.
