– Lizzie and Mal Brow are selling their Karori mansion and much of their art collection.
– The five-bedroom home, listed at $5.75 million-plus, features a pool, tennis court, and wine cellar.
– The art collection, including works by Ralph Hotere and Shane Cotton, will be auctioned in Auckland.
Two prominent Wellington art collectors are selling their multi-million-dollar mansion and most of the artworks it houses.
Just Paterson listing agent Charles Morley-Hall told OneRoof that the five-bedroom spread owned by philanthropists Lizzie and Mal Brow had been the source of much chatter since it hit the market at the end of August with a guide price of $5.75m-plus.
His listing for 14 Homewood Avenue, in Karori, asks the question “Is this Wellington’s best home?”, and buyers have contacted him to offer their opinions. “Well, I believe it’s one of Wellington’s best, if not the best,” he said.
The vendors used award-winning designers Parsonson Architects to upgrade the house. Photo / Supplied
The property houses an extensive art collection, much of which will go to auction in Auckland in October. Photo / Supplied
The Cape Cod-style home, which boasts an outdoor pool and a tennis court, was built in the 1950s, but was upgraded by the Brows and award-winning design firm Parsonson Architects.
Some of the more eye-catching features include a cavernous wine cellar with shelving for over 1500 bottles, an art storage room, and an outdoor entertaining area, resplendent with heated concrete chairs.
Mal told OneRoof that the house couldn’t be beaten for entertaining. “At Christmas time, we normally have a big gathering, with more than 20 people around a big, beautiful, built-in table.”
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The Brows bought the house 15 years ago for just under $4m and have made it a home for their ever-growing art collection. However, they are selling up, having decided to follow their adult children to Australia. “We’ve always thought about moving to Australia,” Mal said. “Two of my older children are now living in Australia, and my wife is from Australia.”
He added: “It’s a big decision to move out of here, because we absolutely adore it. But I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for a change after 15 years.”
The move also means selling much of their art collection, which will be offered up to buyers at an art+object auction in Auckland on October 22 and 23.
The staircase makes an immediate impression. Photo / Supplied
The listing agent says buyers value the privacy the house offers. Photo / Supplied
Mal said the couple simply owned too much art to take it all to Australia. Some of the collection up for sale includes works by Ralph Hotere, Michael Smither, Liz Moore, Shane Cotton, Andrew McLeod, Don Driver, and more.
Morley-Hall said the home would appeal to luxury buyers looking for privacy.
“I think what’s so lovely about this property is that everything opens up onto this amazing garden. It’s on half an acre of flat land, which is pretty unusual, so close to the town. It gets lovely sun. It looks out to the swimming pool, a big lawn, and the tennis court. So, it really is a great home for families, for entertaining. But I think the fact that it’s so private and sheltered is what makes it so special.
“My favourite part of the house is the connection between the beautiful outside entertaining area and the kitchen family room, because they feel like they’re almost part of the same.”
Morley-Hall said Karori has always been a very popular suburb. “I think it has a fantastic community. This home is surrounded by embassies; the British High Commission is there, the Philippine embassy, the Thai embassy.”
The agent said the top end of the market in Wellington had been sluggish in recent months. He also thought the loosening of the foreign buyer restrictions would take time to filter through.
However, he had noticed some strong sales for more than $5m, “so the buyers are out there”.
“I think for New Zealanders who want to secure these $5m-plus houses, now is the time to do it. In time, prices will go up, and the competition from overseas buyers will increase.”
– 14 Homewood Avenue, Karori, Wellington, is for sale, tender closing September 18