Renowned piece of architecture for sale in Havelock North

Award-winning architecture, a slice of the Mediterranean, and sprawling grounds are promised by the newest listing from Sotheby's International Realty Hawke's Bay.

One open home has already been held for the Havelock North property designed by renowned architect Sir Ian Athfield which has Mediterranean style white plastered walls and roof, and incorporates multiple levels, vertically culminating in a tower.

Sales associate Sophie Shield said there had been a lot of interest for the property since it was listed last week, and had shown 18 groups through it on Sunday's open home.

The Lane Rd house is one of the few in Hawke's Bay designed by the late architect - the most prominent being Buck House at Te Mata Estate.

For nearly four years it has been occupied by a family of four, who say leaving the property will be the hardest part of moving from Hawke's Bay.

Although the current owners had built, and designed other homes, "this one was really special".

"The biggest thing is you really feel like you're living, not just existing," the owner said. "It's practical, as well as being a great piece of architecture."

Set on 1.65 hectares, the unconventional home was built in 1982 for a sense of living life in quirky yet elegant spaces which include a separate lounge with open fire, separate dining, and kitchen open to a smaller family area.

On the ground level are a master bedroom and bath, while two double bedrooms are in the tower, each with balconies with views of Te Mata Peak.

At the tower's base is a light filled living space, mezzanine like above the main lounge, adaptable in use to include additional accommodation, kids' lounge or office.

Despite being spread over several levels, the house's clever design made its occupants still feel close, the owner said.

"It's quite a different way of living," she said.

With doors off most lower-level rooms leading to the property's sprawling grounds, she said "it feels like there's a great flow between inside, and out".

"The kids would race out the door, but I could still see them from all angles of the house."

The grounds hold a large in ground salt water pool, heated by solar panels that lengthen the swimming season, with private lawns sheltered with all day sun, mature trees, avocado trees and a young citrus grove with plenty more potential to develop further.

Despite being only five minutes from Havelock North village, the owner said they appreciated the huge amount of wildlife around, and "would always wake up to the sound of birds".

The current owners had enhanced the 22sq m property, including installing central heating, all while staying sympathetic to the original design and ethos.

Extensions for a fourth bedroom had been identified.

Ahead of the second open home, Ms Shield said she was receiving a lot of phone calls from interested buyers - especially those from out of town.

The property's rateable value had risen from $900,000 in 2013 to just over $1 million.

- The open home for 107 Lane Rd, Havelock North, will be held from 11am to 11.45am on Sunday.