Anything but a McMansion: Roger Walker original hits the market

There are houses that stand out, and then there are those designed by celebrated architect Roger Walker. They are certainly the antithesis of boring, cardboard cut-out creations.

And a prime example has just hit the market in New Plymouth.

Called Tivoli, the distinctive home was designed by Walker in the 1970s after he was approached by a local businessman wanting something far removed from the standard suburban home.

Writing on his architectural company's website in 2013, Walker recalled being asked to create "something 'different' from the normal McMansions and 'starter castles'."

"This was a challenge to a young frisky architect, and I gave it my best."

He certainly did.

Built in the mid-1970s, Tivoli is unmistakably Walker, with an assortment of flamboyant shapes, unexpected angles, and, of course, a turret.

Andre Ferreira and Jan de Klerk had admired the home long before they eventually bought it in 2005.

"We were drawn to its striking architecture and the unmistakable character that made it stand out every time we passed by," says Andre.

"It felt like a home no one would ever part with – unique, beautifully designed, and full of potential."

Over the years, the couple have extensively upgraded the home, modernising almost every room while adding a number of luxury touches.

The kitchen was renovated with new cabinetry, appliances and granite benchtops, while the bathrooms and ensuites received marble finishes, underfloor heating and new fixtures. Bedrooms and living spaces were refreshed with new flooring, curtains and air-conditioning.

Outside, the decks were upgraded with new balustrades, tiling and retractable awnings, while a covered, heated spa pool was added.

Even the turret has had a new roof.

Their reaction on arriving was generally the same: "Wow – this is stunning.

"The home is full of unexpected corners and pathways; guests frequently joked that they got lost exploring."

For Andre, it's the views from some of those unusual spaces that remain a highlight.

"We especially love the turret with its 360-degree outlook, the lounge with its ever-changing vistas, and the northern deck where you can sit and watch the world unfold around you."

Despite its unconventional architecture, Andre says owning in Tivoli has never been a challenge, "only an exercise in patience as we lovingly improved the property over time".

But after more than two decades, the couple are ready to hand their landmark home to new custodians.

"As we move into our retirement years, we hope to spend more time travelling and visiting family abroad. It feels like the right moment to pass Tivoli on to someone new."

Whoever buys it will be taking ownership of an architectural rarity – and one Walker himself suggested may never be replicated.

"Sadly, the spatial intricacies and complexity of forms of 1970s houses like 'Tivoli' may never be repeated due to high construction costs and the brain strain of the designing process," he wrote in 2013.

"This makes it an important house, and not one that will disappear in the wake of the voyaging ship of architecture."