'I never dreamed there were so many $10m buyers out there': Home sold within days

A colonial-style mansion owned by icecream entrepreneur Diane Foreman's investment company has sold just days after it went on the market. Photo / Supplied

A colonial-style mansion owned by icecream entrepreneur Diane Foreman's investment company has sold just days after it went on the market.

The landmark property at the desirable Remuera address of 15 Arney Rd was recently given an extensive makeover transforming it into one of the best homes the agent selling it has seen. In his marketing of the 548sqm, five-bedroom mansion Michael Boulgaris of Boulgaris Realty described the renovation as "an inspiration".

The 1522sq m of elevated freehold property has a CV of $5 million. It has a wine cellar, tennis court and heated swimming pool.

"It is very unusual to see a full renovation from top to bottom on such a large scale in one of the best streets in Auckland," Boulgaris said.

"The decor and presentation of the home was an absolute compliment to the vendor."

Yesterday Boulgaris said the online listing had received 1000 hits in 24 hours. The property was now under contract with a back-up offer understood to be more than $9m.

"The phone does not stop ringing. I never dreamed there were so many $10m buyers out there."

Boulgaris wouldn't confirm Foreman owned the property but records list it as one of the five properties owned by Emerald Group, Foreman's investment company.

In April last year, the group sold its subsidiary Emerald Foods to Hong Kong based Emerald Foods Group (HK). The Emerald Group bought the Remuera house in June last year for $5.1m.

Built around 1880, the plantation-style homestead once dominated a large land-holding on top of the ridge of Arney Rd.

The 1522sq m of elevated freehold property has a CV of $5 million. Photo / Supplied