Hawke's Bay house designed by architect John Scott for sale

A John Scott-designed Greenmeadows home is on the market for this first time. Photo / Duncan Brown

A 'hidden gem' designed by renowned Hawke's Bay architect John Scott is going up for sale, as the couple who lovingly took care of it for 38 years reluctantly say a sad goodbye to their family home.

Lorraine and Les Arrowsmith first approached the famous architect in 1979, after being impressed by a house he had built for a family friend.

Mr Arrowsmith said he started building the two storey, three-bedroom house at a section in Greenmeadows, Napier, in 1979.

"It took a year to build and we moved in May 1980."

Mrs Arrowsmith said the final design of the architect, who was also responsible for the 1961 Wellington's Futuna Chapel and the Maori Battalion memorial building in Palmerston North, resulted in a perfect fit for the couple and their two children at the time.

Mr Scott was known for his woolshed and whare concepts, combining cathedral ceilings and matai woodwork.

Mr Scott's own involvement in the building was very hands on, she said.

"He did a lot of work for us, very late at night. He'd phone and ring about 10.30pm and say are you home and then just turn up in his 1800. He loved coffee, so we had to get jars of coffee in case he came.

"It was very special, we believe this is a 'true' John Scott.

"Our children grew up here, they had a lovely time with their friends. It was just such a lovely house to come home to.

"It has a lovely ambiance - it's something you can't describe, it's very special. "It is with a huge lot of sadness that we will be leaving."

However, a hip injury to Mr Arrowsmith meant the John Scott-signature circular staircase in the house was too much to handle.

Listing agent Amy Waterworth from Harcourts said it was "very exciting" to be able to list the property, which contained all John Scott's signatures.

"It's got the pivot doors, the matai panelling and the block work. This one they started building in 1979 and it was built in 1980 and it is in incredibly original condition - nothing has been altered.

"It's all very functional as well."

The house also featured an open fireplace handcrafted by Mr Scott.

The property would be sold by auction at Harcourt's Hastings office at 12.30pm on March 7.