Vernon Brown-designed home in Remuera displays his architectural brilliance
The striking home has been sympathetically renovated and extended to accommodate a growing family.
Vernon Brown is widely considered a pioneer in modern New Zealand architecture, known for his light-filled ‘brown boxes with white trim.’
Perhaps one of Brown’s most notable homes, 75 Bell Road in Remuera is one of the architect’s last remaining examples and embodies his timeless architectural brilliance.
The current owners were immediately drawn to the home’s innate midcentury appeal.
“Entering the house, we loved the warmth and charm of the property with its considerable glass and indoor/outdoor flow.”
Brown conceived spacious interiors and filled them with natural light by orienting the rooms to the sun, Bell Road is no exception.
The couple extended the home considerably, with the existing design providing a good base from which to expand-possibly the most appealing aspect of the home when they bought some 21 years ago.
“It was a truly exciting opportunity to secure a home with the potential to grow into the home that would suit our plans to start a family,” the owner says.
Adding to the home with a great deal of respect and sensitively was paramount.
“We substantially renovated the property with sympathetic additions designed by Malcolm Deighton who is a great admirer of Vernon Brown’s designs,” the owner says.
“These designs enlarged the home to accommodate our growing family.”
The extension undoubtedly showed a genuine regard to the original while creating a personalised space for the family.
“The home has supported a great family relationship, thanks in part to the balance of individual and connected spaces.
“The family room and combined kitchen is the heart of the home, with this space opening out to the garden and lawn to the north,” the owner says.
Certainly, four bedrooms, three bathrooms and multiple living areas provide ample room for family and guests.
Simultaneously sun-filled and private, the property’s position has been ideal for the family, adding, “we love the mature trees set on the far boundary which support considerable birdlife and provide a screen that can make us feel quite secluded.
“The house has great flow and can be configured to respond to all seasons.”
Ray White agent Ryan Dixon, who is marketing the property to be sold by set sale adds, “the home has wide appeal.”
“Downsizers will appreciate the multiple living areas on offer, as will growing families that want access to the double grammar school zone.
“The outdoor areas provide privacy and security.
“Few homes feel like home the moment you walk through the front door, 75 Bell Road most certainly feels that way,” Dixon says.
Reflecting on their time there, the owners says, “21 wonderful years later, our children have grown up and we can fondly look back at many years of enjoyment our home has provided to us.
“We have been very proud to own 75 Bell Road and we know that the next owners will enjoy the home and property as much as we have.”
75 Bell Road in Remuera, Auckland has a set sale date of October 21.
