91 Victoria Ave, Remuera, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
The sheer size of the rooms in Alice Zheng's three-level Remuera home has her friends referring to it as a "mansion". And it's a mansion with a contemporary look, as the 492 sq m plaster home from the 1990s has been re-clad in cedar.
Alice and her husband Hua Yang bought here in 2005, having first lived in Epsom-Royal Oak after emigrating from China in 2001.
They had one son back then, Peter (now 21) and Hua wanted to move to a more sought-after suburb. This home, down a quiet lane off Victoria Ave, was handy for Peter's schooling and to one of the hospitality businesses they own, Alpers Lodge and Conference Centre in Newmarket-Epsom.
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Alice says: "We were impressed by the choice of living areas and just how big they were.
"Also, my husband was sometimes away and this home felt like it would be private and secure for when just Peter and I were home."
They moved in and had their second son Leo, now 12.
With five bedrooms, two substantial living areas plus a media room and a gym, the home has allowed everyone their own space.
Its downstairs guest bedroom suite has welcomed Alice's parents from China.
The home is in the grammar zone and within walking distance to Remuera Village and local schools. There's abundant off-street parking in addition to the internal-access triple garage.
Alice says: "It's been like a hidden paradise for us as nobody would know you were down here."
The home has an up-to-date look now its upper two levels are clad in light-hued cedar above the concrete bottom level. Curved steps lead up to the covered entrance.
The entrance and double-height lobby feature polished parquet flooring. Other upgrades include new carpet, two renovated bathrooms, and energy efficient LED lights.
A big lounge with gas fireplace has four sets of doors to outside, where there's a covered patio, heated swimming pool and tennis court.
Alice has just put in a new double-width oven and wine fridge into the entertainer's kitchen with long island.
It is open plan with a dining area and second fireplace. This spread has underfloor heating and opens out to more outdoor living.
Also on this level are a bathroom and a bedroom Alice has used as a study.
Upstairs is air-conditioned and offers three more bedrooms, the master with dressing room and spa bath in its en suite.
Alice says: "The views from here across the valley are wonderful and we often get to see rainbows."
The other two bedrooms on this level have en suites and one also has a walk-in wardrobe.
Downstairs is fronted by the triple garage and laundry.
The combination of a media room and guest bedroom with en suite offers versatility for in-laws or live-in nanny.
Alice says this level's gym means they can easily exercise whatever the weather.
The couple decided they'd like to experience living in the charm of a heritage villa and moved into once such place in Arney Rd before they had this property re-clad.
91 VICTORIA AVE REMUERA
• 5 bedrooms, 5 bathroom, 3 parking spaces.
• Land 1310sq m, house 492sq m.
• Price: CV $7.2 million.
• Set date of sale: 27 Sep.
• Inspect: Sat/Sun 1-1.30pm.
• Schools: Remuera Primary School, Remuera Intermediate, Auckland Grammar, EGGS.
• Contact: Lindi Chemaly 021 546 342 or Rita Lan 027 475 3114, Ray White, oneroof.co.nz/1187978