57 Portland Rd, Remuera, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
It's a wonder anybody can hear the doorbell in this gigantic home, set in a 3565sq m sub-tropical oasis down a long driveway on one of Remuera's sought-after streets.
Inside, the house is pumping to the sound of rock music, which means the owner, global business leader and creative thinking consultant Kevin Roberts, is in town.
Right now he's holding a business meeting in the vast, sun-soaked kitchen. "I couldn't even begin to tell you who's sat at this table over the years," he says, once the meeting's over.
"We've had entire All Black teams many times, and I distinctly remember a young Jonah Lomu in his early days, chatting to my little daughter because he didn't have the confidence to talk to anybody else."
British-born Kevin has been in love with New Zealand ever since he brought his young family here in 1989, working first for Lion Nathan then ad agency Saatchi and Saatchi.
Kevin and his family moved into this house in 1991. It's been rebuilt a couple of times since. "There is practically nothing left of the original," he says.
Sprawling over three levels with 1156sq m floor space, the house surprise after surprise. The indoor squash court is being used as an art gallery, displaying some of Kevin's many eclectic artworks.
Then there's the gym, the library, the guest suite, and the bar, which opens on to the patio. Upstairs, the kitchen and lounge open to a deck.
Also on this level are the children's suite, which includes a yellow submarine-themed bathroom, and more lounges and living areas.
The master suite occupies all of the top floor, with his and hers offices, a spa treatment room, and separate bathrooms. There's also a memorabilia room full of sports items, one of Kevin's passions.
He and his wife Trudy no longer need such a large Auckland base, so they're looking for something smaller.
"We've had interest from people in China, Singapore and Japan," he says, "but it could also go to somebody from Silicon Valley who wants a safe bolt-hole here."
Many of his all-time favourite memories of the house involve the grandchildren. "That look of absolute terror when they prepare to jump off the diving board for the first time — then the exhilaration afterwards.
"And taking them into the bush at night, looking for fairies, with candles lighting the way.
This is such special place that when you're here, you really do feel as if magical things might happen."
57 PORTLAND RD, REMUERA
• 5 bedrooms, 6 bathroom, 2* parking spaces.
• Floor: 1156sq m, land 3565sq m.
• Tender: Closes Thur 21 March (unless sold prior).
• Inspect: By appointment only.
• Schools: Remuera School, Remuera Intermediate, AGS, EGGS.
• Contact: Leila MacDonald, Barfoot & Thompson, 021 928 926 and Richard Hart, UP Real Estate, 021 973 474.
*Plus 4 OSP