Sarah and I very nearly didn't look at this property when we were house-hunting in the neighbourhood 20 years ago," says Graham Coxhead.
"We'd been to so many places that we were completely ready to give ourselves a break, but it was mid-afternoon when we drove down Victoria Avenue andsaw the open home sign, so we thought, 'Why not?'"
As it happened, the couple fell in love with the newly-built Simon Carnahan-designed house at first sight. "That was ironic because we'd modernised a historic villa while living in Wellington and were planning to do exactly that same thing again," says Sarah.
Set down a lengthy jasmine-scented driveway and completely removed from any street noise, the house is reached via handsome black wrought-iron gates. Inside, a soaring atrium provides the perfect introduction to its bright, airy features.
"We just saw light -- absolutely everywhere," Graham says. "It was hugely appealing."
The large lounge and dining area to the left of the front door is generous and a gas fireplace is the focal point. The kitchen sits centrally on this ground level and has everything a cook could need, with potential for an upgrade if a new owner should desire it.
The guest bedroom -- with en-suite -- opens on to an enchanting, manicured Italian-style patio, as do most of the ground-floor rooms.
"There wasn't any garden at all here when we bought it. We put in the box hedging and I usually still trim it myself," says Graham.
Image 1 of 5: An extremely well put-together Remuera home ideal for families and for entertaining. Photos / Ted Baghurst
Upstairs are the bedrooms that were used by Graham and Sarah's four children. Their high ceilings give a sense of space and there's fabulous storage space in the roof beyond, but the piece de resistance here is undoubtedly Graham and Sarah's master suite. Their bedroom is huge and is complemented by a living room, bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. "It's big enough to hold a party up here," says Sarah.
She grew up locally and has loved being back in Remuera, following stints overseas -- including Canada -- and elsewhere in New Zealand, driven by Graham's career.
He's an ex-engineer who went on to head a number of utilities companies.
"I think what I really liked about this place is that it was architecturally-designed and Simon Carnahan also used an excellent builder," he says.
Looking back, the couple can remember a number of major occasions held here:21st birthdays, big parties and even a wedding celebration.
"We had caterers in and they set themselves up in the garage -- which is truly just six footsteps from the kitchen and ran everything from there," says Sarah.
"To be honest, they didn't even need to enter the kitchen."
The couple love each day in their city hideaway, enjoying panoramic views that extend far beyond the immediate neighbourhood and include Newmarket, Mt Eden, Mt Hobson and -- of course -- the Sky Tower.
Sarah enjoys the sight of birds frolicking in the garden fountain and welcomes regular visits from dozens of tuis.
"We're early risers and even though we're retired now we always get up at 6.30am and walk to Remuera village for a morning coffee," says Graham.
Another favourite walking route takes in near-by Wilson's Beach and if you're in business there's no better location for commuting, according to Graham.
"It's incredibly straightforward to get to the motorway and lots of public transport options," he says.
The couple are keeping their options open in terms of their next move.
"With our children and grandchildren based all around the world we want the freedom to be able to visit them all easily," says Sarah.
