SCHOOL ZONES:
Bayfield Primary School, Western Springs College.
CONTACT:
Martin Dobson, Kellands, 021 376 952.
TENDER CLOSES:
12pm, June 11 (unless sold prior).
When David Robinson bought this large villa it had been redeveloped and modernised but he couldn't resist putting his mark on the property.
Daughter-in-law Amanda Robinson says he upgraded the kitchen/family room -- plenty of marble was used -- and had the lawn at the front turned into a landscapedoutdoor entertaining area with water feature.
David, who owned textile business Autex, bought the home about five years ago and, as well as making improvements, used its gallery-like spaces to showcase his art and crystal ornaments.
Amanda and husband Mark moved in last year when David became ill and have remained in the home since his death last August. "We sold up our home in Greenhithe to come here to look after David," says Amanda. "And as much as we love this home it doesn't work for us because our son is going to school at Kristin so we have bought a home close to the beach in Takapuna."
Amanda says the grand villa was home to Auckland's longest-serving Mayor, Sir Dove-Myer Robinson, and although it has been modernised, character features remain, such as the lofty board-and-batten ceilings. The colonnaded veranda gives the home street appeal and is the reason why the couple call it "The White House".
Inside, the sense of space is amplified by the wide hallway that passes Amanda's office on the left and a bedroom on the right, leading to the formal lounge then on to the kitchen/family room. Doorways have been widened and walls removed so that the hallway is light and open, making for a welcoming connection to the downstairs level.
Office, lounge and living room are warmed by gas fires, plus radiators driven by central heating. With most rooms carpeted, this makes for a cosy environment -- one of Amanda's favourite features.
Image 1 of 13: Grand and spacious villa boasts impressive entertaining areas and a pool and spa
Gleaming white marble and a chandelier adds bling to the family room/kitchen, which has abundant bench space backed up by a butler's pantry with wine fridge. This space opens out to the remodelled front yard with topiary surrounding a nicely structured outdoor dining area.
"The lighting David put in, especially at the front, is magnificent, it really comes alive out there at night," says Amanda.
The rear of the property is just as impressive, with a terraced outdoor entertaining area with open fire overlooking another terraced level with in-ground pool and spa pool. To help with outdoor entertaining, the fully fitted downstairs laundry has a fridge, oven and big worktop.
The garden has been stripped back to give it more structure but it could be developed further.
Downstairs, the home has more bedrooms and bathrooms, a lounge and a media room with projector screen, and access to the internal double garage with workshop or storage space. Amanda says this level would be ideal for teenagers or extended family.
"It's a beautiful house; we are very proud of it because it is David's legacy but it just needs people in here to utilise it. What I like is that there is still room for people to put their own mark on it."
