It wasn't until after they moved in, three years ago, that John and Robyne Bell discovered some of the best features of their Remuera home.
"For example, there's a wonderful cupboard in the kitchen, especially designed for glassware," says Robyne. "And because they were pulled back each time we'd been here, we hadn't even noticed the clear glass sliding doors that separate the two main living areas."
The pair had been living in an apartment on busy, often noisy, Queen St, and quickly came to relish the peace and privacy of this 1475sq m section, filled with native trees and birdsong. Robyne wasted no time getting landscapers in and the result is an attractive, easy care garden.
The house was built in the 1980s but has been so extensively renovated since then that it's practically brand new.
"Basically, the previous owners had done about two thirds of it, and we did the rest," says Robyne.
Set well back from busy Bassett Rd, at the end of a palm-lined driveway, the house enjoys extensive decking, making it easy for its owners to chase the sun.
Melbourne-born Robyne, a former corporate high-flier, is now pursuing a life-long dream and studying naturopathy.
"I spent a lot of time last summer sitting outside reading my text books and it was just lovely," she says. The large, well-appointed kitchen is sleek, modern and minimalist, with ample room for storing things out of sight.
It segues into a spacious, sunny dining and family room.
The adjacent lounge has huge picture windows with views to the trees outside and a glass gas fireplace for ambience.
Also on this level lies a neat little office and next to the master bedroom is a vast walk-in wardrobe and an elegant en suite.
Image 1 of 7: Giant picture windows bring the verdant, tree-filled outdoors indoors in this modernised and surprising home
Another double bedroom and bathroom is next door, and Robyne says she's often thought that this "wing" of the house would be good for parents with a baby. Downstairs are a further two bedrooms and bathrooms plus a big, cosy rumpus and/or home theatre room. There's a cool, central room that John and Robyne have been using as a wine cellar, and ample storage space for items such as suitcases and skis. A separate laundry has its own door to the garden. Close to good schools, a hop, skip and jump from Remuera and Newmarket, much of this home's appeal lies in small details, such as the skylight in the kitchen that closes automatically when it rains.
Three heat-pumps ensure that the house is never cold, and it's well-insulated.
"We really don't need to use heating very often," Robyne says.
She's kept the decor largely neutral and most of the walls are white, which is ideal for displaying an extensive art collection.
However, on the downstairs level one wall is wallpapered with a stylish tartan pattern, which was brought in from Sweden.
"I wasn't entirely sure that I was doing the right thing - but actually, it works," she says.
The couple have six children, with two living in Melbourne, two in Sydney, one in Adelaide and one in LA, where there's the added bonus of a new, first grandchild.
