Approached on foot through its garden, this remarkable Grammar Zone residence reveals itself slowly and beautifully. Grand, historic and graceful, it has a presence that stops people in their tracks. Visitors often pause on the front steps beneath the portico at the bright red door, exclaiming "this is the most beautiful house." With its turret, heritage weathervane, gates and balcony nestled amongst the trees, the home evokes the romance of a private castle, a vintage jewel quietly held within the city.
Designed over a century ago, the gracious interior spaces were conceived to honour both the natural world outside and the architecture within. Rooms are generous and harmonious, shaped by classical proportions and flooded with light through large original windows. Warm 5.5 inch matai floorboards, stud heights exceeding four metres, board and batten ceilings and exquisite decorative features speak to the craftsmanship of the era. Original leadlight windows, art nouveau motifs, octagonal rooms, marble-framed fireplaces, ceiling roses and vintage lighting have all been lovingly preserved.
In 2018, an architect-led renovation brought the home forward with intelligence and restraint. Heritage character and contemporary design were seamlessly woven together to create a vibrant modern family home. Two full kitchens, a butler's pantry, farmhouse-scale laundry, thoughtful storage, central heating, a triple garage, updated services, security, roofing and IT infrastructure now sit comfortably alongside the original architecture. Upstairs, wool carpet adds softness and warmth, while polished floors downstairs allow freedom of use and entertaining.
The home sits on a rare quarter-acre corner site, offering a park-like setting just 15 minutes from the city. Mature pohutakawa, liquid amber, karaka and magnolia trees are floodlit at night, while a cherry blossom marks the boundary. Birdlife is extraordinary. Morepork owls, wood pigeons and tui are heard at dawn and dusk, lending the feeling of waking in the country rather than the city. Despite its proximity to town, the property is remarkably tranquil and private.
History is deeply felt here. Believed to have been built around 1900 as a summer house for a merchant, the home was the first in the area. A 1909 photograph shows it standing alone in farmland, later occupied by Edwardian residents captured on the same front steps that generations of Aucklanders have since used for portraits. The grand foyer and staircase were designed to make an entrance, and toddlers have tested their courage on those steps for decades.
Intergenerational living has been a hallmark of this home. With clear separation between downstairs living spaces and upstairs bedrooms, and a thoughtfully designed second dwelling that maintains privacy and independence, it has comfortably accommodated grandparents, parents, teenagers and guests alike. Formal and informal lounges, dining rooms and a library off the foyer allow the home to adapt to both family life and professional entertaining.
Indoor-outdoor living centres around a generous hall that flows to a secluded green courtyard. Ivy-covered walls form a beautiful backdrop for lunches, drinks and parties, intimate yet alive with energy. It is a home that always feels secure, comfortable and welcoming, offering the rare balance of classic grandeur and contemporary ease.
Positioned within the sought after Auckland Grammar and Epsom Girls Grammar zones, and held with care for many years, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. With the owners now committed to their next chapter, the time has come for another family to write theirs. Call Steen today to arrange your private viewing.
