King Charles III offloads Kiwi mansion
In an estate that boasts the likes of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, one property belonging to the newly-minted King Charles III is located in a surprising place: northwest Auckland.
But, the documents for the two-storey heritage villa in Hobsonville show the registered owner to be the Queen herself, forming part of an expansive portfolio inherited by the new king.
In actual fact, the home doesn’t belong to King Charles III since Crown real estate is owned by the Defence Force.
As a result, the Auckland mansion, known as Clark House, was used for Royal New Zealand Airforce operations from 1950 to 2016, when they moved out and left the home boarded up and unused.
According to historical records, the Crown paid just £8000 for the home, which now holds a category 1 listing on the Historic Places Register.
The home was built in 1902 to showcase innovative new building blocks created by entrepreneur Rice Owen Clark, whose family stayed in the house until it was sold to the Crown.
During its use by the RNZAF, the house became the office of Task Force Headquarters and even hosted a South East Asian Treaty Organisation conference in the grand rooms in 1955.
Phill Gurnsey, a general manager of estate strategy for Defence, said Clark House had most recently been used as a medical unit, with rooms upstairs acting as offices and the lower floor used for reception and medical testing.
Harcourts agent Graham Lewis said the sale of Clark House was an opportunity to own a piece of New Zealand history that might not be seen again in our lifetime.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a special buyer to purchase a slice of New Zealand’s history from the current owner, His Majesty the King,” Mr Lewis said.
“The building is a fine example of the Italianate villa style. Because of its role as a showpiece, no expense was spared in the building.”
Most of the original features have survived, including the grand staircase, ceilings and carved mantlepieces made with timber from the kauri tree, stained glass windows, a wrought iron verandah and a tiled entry floor.
As a historical building, Mr Lewis noted that potential buyers should be aware of the responsibilities and restrictions that come it, adding that the home could be turned into a lodge or fine hotel, an art gallery, or even corporate headquarters.
“It takes your breath away the first time you see it. This was a supreme legacy to Rice Owen Clark’s beloved family, status and ambitions,” Mr Lewis said.
“I think he’d be pleased that the passion and care of a new owner will bring this home back to its former glory as a historic landmark for generations to come.”
The house will be available for tender until November 21.
Images: Getty Images, Harcourts Realty