If a property epitomises how far a metropolis like Auckland has come, St Marys Residence is it. A heritage, harbour-view villa with exclusive occupancy, this new designer haven of chic is located in one of the city's premier suburbs, moments from the hip Ponsonby Road strip. It's the ultimate in contemporary New Zealand luxury. Think Ralph Lauren meets Auckland's Asian and Pasifika influences, and you start to get the picture.
It is owned by Manjit Kaur and Michael Coutts, who together run a recruitment business and have a hospitality background. The stylish couple have created the type of place they prefer to stay in while travelling the globe. The three-bedroom, 341-square-metre villa feels like one of New Zealand's renowned lodges, with concierge, butler and personal chef services on tap, but here, it's all about you. If you're travelling with a PA, nanny or even your bodyguard, a companion room downstairs can accommodate the entire entourage.
Luxuriously decorated by interior designer Anna Desbonnets, St Marys offers seamless indoor-outdoor luxury. Upstairs the Pacific Ocean master suite, with sprawling limestone bathroom, segues effortlessly with the adjoining lounge and bar (stocked with hand-selected NZ wines and craft beers). Both rooms flow onto the superlative private roof terrace with outdoor fireplace offering stellar views over Waitemata Harbour. Downstairs the Courtyard Garden suite has french doors opening onto an exquisitely manicured garden.
"New Zealand is dotted with beautiful lodges, but Auckland was lagging behind," Coutts explains. Never fear, the opening of St Marys Residence means the City of Sails is fast playing catch-up.
From $2780 a night. See www.stmarysresidence.co.nz .
