Millionaire's row for sale as family move to US

The adjoining sites - totalling 3,550sqm of prime Remuera land - are expected to sell for more than the $11.7m paid for them.

Back-to-back mansions part of Chinese businessman's $16.6m Auckland portfolio

A 3,550sqm chunk of land with two sprawling back-to-back mansions in the heart of Remuera is for sale as part of a $16.6 million property portfolio.

The homes at 238 Remuera Rd and 6 Westbury Cres are expected to go for far above their previous combined sale price of $11.7 million.

With permission to demolish to create one massive, sheltered, sunny estate, or the choice to keep as separate family homes, each house is gated and has a swimming pool.

They have expansive harbour views, are within the zone for decile 10 Auckland Grammar and decile 9 Epsom Girls' Grammar School, and are near King's School.

The houses are both owned by a Chinese businessman who also owns a real estate business in China.

Barfoot & Thompson real estate agent Leila MacDonald said the family were moving to the United States. They had rented out the Remuera Rd property but it had remained untenanted for the past couple of years.

Ms MacDonald said she was working with real estate agencies in London to market the properties.

The first open home for the two-storey, four-bedroom home on Remuera Rd will be held this weekend.

The house was built in 1890, but redesigned in the 1920s by Auckland architects Gummer and Ford. It underwent a renovation in the 1960s but retains its original character.

The 350sq m house has three bathrooms, a four-car garage and sits on a 1831sq m section.

The home needs a new kitchen but has the potential to "come up really well", Ms MacDonald said.

Viewing of the two-storey, five-bedroom Westbury Cres home is by appointment only. Built in 1990, it is larger, with a 594sq m floor area, but sits on a slighter smaller 1719sq m section. A wrought-iron staircase climbs up through a huge open-entry foyer, and a home theatre sits between two separate bedroom wings

"The best views in Auckland and loads of space for a large family that likes to have fun," says the real estate listing. "Just about every room opens to sweeping north-facing terraces with expansive harbour views across an immaculately groomed garden and heated pool."

Tenders for the property close on December 18.

The owner is also selling a waterfront property on Broomfields Rd, Whitford. Bought in September 2003 for $2.56 million, it has been valued at $4.925 million.

The Westbury Rd home was bought for $5.65 million in October 2005 and the next-door property in September 2007 for $6.05 million. The three properties are under the owner's Tongtai Trustee Company set up 10 months earlier, making his local portfolio worth $16,625,000.

Property portfolio

6 Westbury Cres, Remuera
• Bought: $5.65 million in October 2005
• CV: $5.4 million
• 1990 stucco house
• 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2-car garage, swimming pool
• 1,719sqm section, 594sqm floor

238 Remuera Rd, Remuera
• Bought: $6.05 million in September 2007
• CV: $4.95 million
• 1890 stucco house
• 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4-car garage, swimming pool
• 1,831sqm section, 350sqm floor

295 Broomfields Rd, Whitford
• Bought: $2.56 million in September 2003
• CV: $4.925 million
• 1965 wooden cottage
• 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
• 2 hectares, 365sqm floor

TOTAL: $16,625,000