SCHOOL ZONES:
Victoria Ave Primary, Remuera Intermediate, Auckland Grammar, Epsom Girls’ Grammar.
CONTACT:
Greg Gibson and Glenn Curness, Unlimited Potential, 021 940 048 or 529 5216 (Greg) or 021 207 0408 or 522 2989 (Glenn).
AUCTION:
August 5.
Buying a house was the last thing Niki Lawrence planned to do when she called into an open home in Remuera 11 years ago. As far as she was concerned, she was only taking a look around the property to get some inspiration for the house she and husband Peter Fredricson were intending to renovate nearby.
"My husband had noticed it as he drove past and kept saying to me, 'Go and have a look'. I said, 'No, we're renovating, not buying -- get over it!'. But then one day I saw the open home sign and thought I might as well have a look."
As soon as she walked into the luxury mansion, which is set back off the road down a driveway and behind security gates, Niki was smitten.
"I thought, 'This is amazing'. I rang my husband and said, 'Oh, okay then ... let's buy it!'. I just loved the feel of it."
Niki says it felt like home from the moment they moved in, although she couldn't quite believe it was their house.
"I never thought I would get to live in a dream home like this," she says. "It made me feel like a princess."
She loves that the house can look very "posh when it needs to be" but is actually very comfortable and practical. She and Peter have raised their two children, James and Arnika, there, and it has been an amazing family home, says Niki.
The house has all the bells and whistles you would expect from an executive-style home in such a sought-after area, from state-of-the art lighting, music and security systems, through to first-class fixtures and fittings.
One of the things that really appealed was the home's sheer size, and that the rooms were of generous proportions.
"We're all tall, so we love the high ceilings."
The thoughtful way it was laid out was another plus. The entranceway leads past the staircase to the large, elegant living/dining room, which has proved ideal for entertaining.
Image 1 of 13: A posting overseas is taking family away from the property they fell in love with at first sight, writes Donna Fleming
"We've had quite a few events in here over the years with a lot of people but it is no problem fitting everyone in," says Niki.
This space has a gas fireplace at one end, and several sets of bifold doors open to a patio and the garden.
Next door is a study with an external door, so if it was used by someone working from home, visitors could come and go without traipsing through the rest of the house.
Also off the living/dining area, at the other end, is the kitchen and family room, which in turn opens to a covered patio beside the pool. With a gas fire and plenty of space for a table and barbecue, this area gets plenty of use year round. Outside, high hedges screen the garden from neighbouring properties.
One of the special features of the house is a scullery off the kitchen that runs through to the triple garage.
As well as plenty of bench space and cupboards, the scullery has two dishwashers.
"It's great because you can make all the mess in there and then shut the door," says Niki.
Upstairs is the bonus of a separate wing with its own bedroom, bathroom and living room that is ideal for guests or older children who want to have their own space.
The master suite is one of Niki's favourite parts of the house. The spacious bedroom has its own gas fire, balcony and walk-through dressing room that leads to a fully-tiled en suite, which would not look out of place in a five-star hotel.
There are also two more bedrooms upstairs, plus a large family bathroom and access to attic storage.
Niki imagined they'd be living in the house for a very long time, but Peter's job has taken them across the Tasman and they are unlikely to be back any time soon.
"It is very hard to let go of the house," says Niki.
