Property listing ID: 461560
A stunning site of almost 4½ acres, an award winning architectural home discreetly hidden from the world and, beautiful Karekare beach within walking distance. Sir Edmund Hillary, Neil Finn and Crowded House, Scarlett Johansson, Radiohead, Che Fu, Pearl Jam and Elle Macpherson are just a sprinkling of the famous people that have been associated with this unique Karekare property. Music Producer, Nigel Horrocks purchased the land off Sir Edmund Hillary in the early 1980s and when it was time to build, Nigel chose to work with student architect, Andrew Patterson. This was a first house for both of them. Nigel gave Andrew very firm instructions - the house was not to compete with the power and drama of the wild Karekare landscape - but to match it. He also wanted it to be timeless, and, a multi-purpose structure that could be used as a performance space. Construction was completed in October 1986 and the following year, Andrew Patterson, won New Zealand's Young Architect of the Year award for the house. The layout has no real dividing line between indoors and outdoors - in essence the home is like a container that can be opened on all sides by sliding doors and windows of massive proportions to embrace the landscape. A sheltered amphitheatre leading off the living areas allows for entertainment space for up to three hundred people, perfect for functions or weddings. The 18072sqm site has lovely flat areas that could be used for grazing, great for horses. There are 4 fenced paddocks and appropriately, the property backs onto the Hillary trail. The privacy, isolation, lack of distractions and close proximity to nature led Neil Finn and Crowded House to record the album Together Alone at the property. As much as it could continue as a recording studio, this exclusive hideaway is very much a gorgeous family home. This is your chance to purchase a slice of New Zealand history. Karekare is located 35 kilometres west of Auckland City. To the south is Whatipu. To the north is Piha. To the East is the Centennial Memorial Park and Water Catchment area, which covers most of the native bush, clad Waitakere Ranges. The area is a popular destination for Aucklanders in summer however Karekare does not get the high number of visitors that Piha does, partly because the road is narrow and winding. The locals love this because the area has retained much of its natural beauty and isolation. There are surf patrols in summer and with twelve kilometres of beach, horse riding is fantastic. There is a small community primary school (Lone Kauri School) with approximately 30 students located at Karekare. It is an independently operating branch of Oratia School, under the supervision of a senior teacher. Located further into Auckland is State secondary schools Kelston Boys High School and Kelston Girls High School. Catholic students usually commute by train from Glen Eden to Marist College (girls) or St Peter's College (boys). The settlement was immortalised in song by Crowded House on their Together Alone album in 1993, which was recorded at the house. The well-known Dub/Reggae group, Salmonella Dub, used the name as well on their album Feel the Seasons Change - Live with the NZSO. The location will also be familiar to viewers of the film The Piano, which included beach scenes shot at Karekare and Piha. The actor, Harvey Keitel lived at the house during filming.
Listed by Barfoot & Thompson , Tim Mahon (Milford)