Auckland mansions to be demolished for dream home

An Auckland businessman has paid $11 million to bowl two luxury mansions - including a historic home owned by one of the city's oldest families - and build the house of his dreams.

Multi-millionaire Michael Reid is demolishing two adjoining properties in Hanene St, on the St Heliers' clifftop, which he bought for $5.5m each. One, an elegant 1930s home which features two elaborate gate houses, was owned by the Caughey family of Auckland retail royalty.

Mr Reid will replace the homes with an elaborate four-bedroom, 789sq m house featuring a swimming pool, putting green, three fireplaces, large indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, and basement parking for five or six cars.

The stately Caughey home was built in 1936 for the late J. Stuart Caughey, a director of the Smith and Caughey's department store and son of one of the original founders, Andrew Caughey.

The house has been extended and upgraded over the years, including extensive renovations in the 1990s.

It will be demolished within months to make way for the Sumich Architects-designed house Mr Reid has planned for the 3614sq m site.

Views of Rangitoto Island and Auckland Harbour will be the focal point for the new house, with all bedrooms opening to a sea or garden view.

Plans lodged with the Auckland City Council describe the new residence as a contemporary form of a Mediterranean villa.

The house will be finished in off-white plaster, black steel joinery and terracotta tiles.

The grounds will feature a putting course, a pond and a large pool perched near the cliff. Work is expected to begin within two months.

Mr Reid owns a string of companies, including United Pacific Corporation, which six years ago sold out the Auckland-based Marac Group for $41m to Pyne Gould Corporation.

Mr Reid and his wife Pauline currently live in a large, immaculate double-gated home in the leafy and exclusive Lammermoor Drive in St Heliers.

Mr Reid could not be reached for comment yesterday.