Real Housewives of Auckland star Michelle Blanchard and her husband Dave have sold their multimillion-dollar Coatesville house.
The property was first listed in September 2016 with a different agency. The home was finally sold by New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty for $8,800,000 – to a family that has bought it sight unseen, according to Stuff NZ.
The property has a CV of $6.05 million, and four years ago, Dave Blanchard told NZ House & Garden the couple had spent “well over $7 million on it”, carrying out an enormous renovation, which tripled the size of the house to 1000 square meters.
"Let's just put it this way: Should've been demoed," Michelle Blanchard said at the time.
Winston Kidd, New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Takapuna office manager, says the property was sold by Aaron Reid, one of the firm’s luxury property specialists.
And while the buyers have not yet visited the house themselves, Kidd says they did have “eyes on the ground here working on their behalf”. “It’s a stellar result, and to the right buyer, it represents great value.”
Kidd says the firm has had the listing since just before the first lockdown in March.
The five-bedroom, five-bathroom house boasts 15 car spaces, and has a spectacular outdoor entertaining area surrounding a large swimming pool. The renovation, designed by Grant Bindon of Bindon Design Group with the help of Trinity Interior Design, included the addition of a second storey for a master bedroom suite and living room, a west wing and pool house.
Dave Blanchard oversaw the renovation and was on site most days, apart from an eight-week holiday in Europe. He said at the time: "I've saved two Bentleys being on site, being here and making smart decisions, seeking alternative quotes and negotiating, and by quality control and adding value.”
Special features of the interior include the yellow marble bar, according to Stuff NZ. The home also includes a dramatic entrance hall with a large, gold spiral staircase. Much of the luxe detailing is in black and gold, to give the house an “international vibe”.
The Sotheby’s listing said: “Entertain with ease with multiple living areas that include tasteful formal living and dining areas, family, games, cinema and music rooms – all of which are family favourites year round.
“The kitchen is the family and entertaining hub of the home and show cases Gaggenau and Sub-Zero (appliances); the butler's kitchen is fully equipped with appliances, and additionally there is a feature wine cellar to store the essentials.
Photo Credit: Jane Ussher; Supplied
