SCHOOL ZONES:
Victoria Ave Primary, Remuera Intermediate, Epsom Girls' Grammar, Auckland Grammar.
CONTACT:
Peter Cleave, ph 021 756 245 or 529 1509, Greg Gibson, ph 021 940 048 or 529 5216, Unlimited Potential Remuera
FEATURES:
Northern-slopes family home designed by Marshall Cook and renovated by Lindy Leuschke, with gym, pool and floodlit tennis court. Harbour views to North Head and beyond. Three separate living areas, plus office.
Trish Bodvin sums up her Remuera home's appeal in one simple sentence: "It's like being on vacation seven days a week." Tucked out of sight off Arney Cres, it's fair to say Trish's home has the feeling of an oasis.
The home's wonderful view and position were big attractions toTrish and her family when they first saw it in 2002. "We walked in and thought 'wow'," recalls Trish. "We could really see what this house could be."
With a tennis court, pool, terracing, a lush garden and a view of the harbour, Trish felt this private and secure home would be a "peaceful family home to come home to".
It also had the benefit of two well-known architects involved in its story. Originally built more than two decades ago to a design by Marshall Cook from Cook Sargisson & Pirie, the house was given a major overhaul eight years ago with a seamless renovation by Leuschke Group's Lindy Leuschke.
Leuschke says she "couldn't fault" the way the original house was designed for its time, but her brief was to make it "reflect the way families live now". What were formerly separate kitchen, formal dining and family living areas were opened up into one expansive space, with an easy flow to outdoor living areas.
"I really enjoyed working on the house because it was well-designed from the start," says Leuschke. "It was beautiful from day one, with excellent spaces, flow, orientation and connection to the street."
As with many architecturally designed homes, this house is beautiful in its complexity. From the front entrance, a double-height atrium with parquet flooring and sets of stairs connect various parts of the house.
To the right is a powder room, the gym and access to the garage. Up the stairs and left from the entrance foyer is a sumptuous guest suite, with its own luxurious bathroom and a balcony that overlooks the tennis court. From there, another flight up takes you to a media room, which has its own balcony, as well as built-in drinks fridges.
Central from the stairs is the master suite with balcony, plus a Leuschke-designed en suite. The home's right-hand wing features two bedrooms, a bathroom and an office, which leads to a private garden.
Step down from the entrance one level and you come to a formal living room/library with a fireplace. The main living area boasts bi-fold windows with an inviting upholstered bench seat.
Next along is the dining area, adjacent to the kitchen and with doors opening on to the terrace and pool. Dark-stained timber cabinetry and a composite-stone benchtop are paired with translucent glass in the kitchen. There are top-of-the-range Miele appliances (including a built-in coffee maker) and a toe-kick vacuum system.
Outside, the tennis court has provided hours of fun for friends and family, including son Hayden and Trish's great friend Dansé's grandchildren. It's still used regularly. "The men are having a game on Tuesday and us girls have a hit now and again," says Trish.
With all its fine attributes, this home is the consummate Remuera family home, but with Hayden now living away from home, it's time for others to enjoy what this property has to offer.
