Seclusion, luxury and birdsong

68 Victoria Avenue, Remuera. Photo / Ted Baghurst

68 VICTORIA AVE, REMUERA

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SIZE: Land 1272sq m approx, house 350sq m approx.

PRICE INDICATION: CV $2.25 million. Properties in this area are selling above the CV.

AUCTION: Thursday, November 7, 12pm unless sold prior.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1.30-2pm, Monday 7-7.30pm or by appointment.

ON THE WEB: milneandco.co.nz/M30929

SCHOOL ZONES: Double Grammar zones, Victoria Ave Primary.

CONTACT: Pene Milne, Milne & Co, ph 02 191 9940.

FEATURES: Simon Carnachan-designed sun- and light-filled home, spa pool, main bedroom suite retreat, outdoor entertaining, gas central heating, four gas fires, private and tranquil setting.

Down a long drive in one of Auckland's most prestigious streets lies a veritable masterpiece of New Zealand architecture, designed and built by Simon Carnachan as his own home in the late 1990s.

Soaring ceilings and vast living spaces are highlighted by huge expanses of glass that serve to create a natural sense of integration between the home and its lush, leafy, tree-filled surroundings.

For owners John and Jan Leslie, who bought the property three years ago, this house marked the start of their life together.

"I was living in Karaka and Jan was on the Shore so we needed to find something in the middle, and this was it," says John.

The couple later married on the elegant front deck, and the celebrations that followed included a band.

"It worked beautifully," recalls Jan. "We based the caterers in the garage, which has interior access, and our guests mingled in the main lounge and on both decks."

The downstairs living area is effectively two open-plan rooms with gas fireplaces at each end.

"One's the formal one and the other is the relaxed one where we watch TV."

An elegant white kitchen lies beyond the dining area. The generous centre island adds extra room for food preparation, and features a useful second sink. Here, as in the rest of the house, there is storage space to burn.

The architect didn't waste a single nook or cranny, a fact that pleases Jan enormously.

Upstairs are two bedrooms. Two are open-plan, but there's potential for changing this to three separate rooms.

Once again, there's masses of storage space and wonderful views.

John and Jan both laugh when they tell the story of the master bedroom suite.

"We thought we'd seen the whole house, so the agent had to show us the stairs." And what a revelation it was.

"I just love this space," says Jan, and it's easy to see why. From the bed, she and John wake up to glorious views of the trees and the sweet sound of birdsong.

"It's completely private down here. In fact, the whole house is private. My kids joke that it passes the 'nude test', which really means that no neighbour can see in, anywhere."

A large wardrobe and dressing room offer ample space for clothes and the light-filled bathroom at the other end is practical yet smart.

Jan's 3-year-old granddaughter loves playing on the decks, but she loves the back of the house best with its wide steps leading down to a stream at the end of the 1272sq m section.

"It's all trees so there's no real gardening involved," explains John.

Recently retired from the corporate world, he's been spending time on maintenance, and is proudly leaving the house in pristine condition.

"It's very well built."

Having loved this home so deeply, the couple had an agonising decision when faced with the prospect of selling it.

Image 1 of 10: 68 Victoria Avenue, Remuera. Photo / Ted Baghurst

She and John will miss their home immensely.

"It's the perfect house and I'd have been happy to live here for the rest of my life," says John.

"The house we've bought on the Shore is lovely too," adds Jan. "But it's different."