"It's an impressive property, probably one of the highest quality I have seen."
Before its extensive rebuild the 120-year-old settlers' cottage had rotting floorboards, sagging ceilings and nicotine-stained walls.
It was deemed unliveable when it sold for $1.075 million in November 2014. The house, purchased by Auckland building trio Simon Watson, Thomas Rowe and Rhys Hancock through their company Evoke Developments, was transformed over 18 months.
The original cottage was stripped, sympathetically rebuilt and a two-level rear extension joined to the main house by a glass atrium.
The interior has been designed to cater for modern living. Photo / Dean Purcell
Marble benchtops, polished concrete floors, a designer backyard surrounded by olive trees and an courtyard with an outdoor gas fire impressed visitors at the open home.
Harding said interest was strong for Tuesday's on-site auction.
The owners were keen on a confirmed sale. "They have built the house to sell it so they want an unconditional sale on the day - they have made that clear to us."
Harding said high-end apartments in the area were selling for $2.5m or more.
"To me this is even better because there is no body corporate and the land is just going to keep increasing in value."
"It's the sort of house that is going to suit a range of different people."
Yesterday builder Simon Watson said he was happy with the result and had a lot of positive feedback on quality of the work.
"We are really happy, we love the house," he said.
