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The purchase of a landmark Herne Bay residential property sparked the sale of an award-winning Remuera house.
Auckland surgeon John Dunn and wife Rose sold their house on Arney Rd in Remuera to an Auckland businessman and his family for $8.1 million, paying the same price for a derelict house in Herne Bay.
Agent Fiona Mackenzie, of Kellands Real Estate, which handled the deals, said it was a coincidence the properties sold for the same amount.
The Dunns' new site on Sentinel Rd is surrounded by water on three sides and has an abandoned house.
The deal is understood to have set a land price record because the Dunns paid the amount for the block of almost half a hectare, making it one of the city's most expensive sections.
Dunn said last week he planned to improve the property which he intended would become an asset to the neighbourhood.
The Dunns' former house in Remuera has drawn high praise from the architectural community. Built in 1973, it won an Institute of Architects award this April, being one of 28 properties in a field of 119 entries named national award winners.
The Dunns had commissioned a major extension and renovation of that house, working with architects Fearon Hay.
Judges praised the house for its elegance and the skill with which it was updated.
"Awe inspiring from the first, this re-invention of a Ron Sang house skilfully integrates the tectonics of the original with the intentions of a new generation," the judges said.
Fiona Mackenzie and Martin Dobson, of Kellands, sold the Remuera house and also negotiated the couple's purchase of the Herne Bay property.
